SEND Finance Manager

Make a difference where financial decisions directly improve outcomes for children and young people Lincolnshire County Council is continuing to invest significantly in its SEND services as part of a wider improvement and transformation programme. We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly organised SEND Finance Support Officer to help strengthen financial oversight and commissioning arrangements across our SEND system. This is an exciting opportunity to join a developing team at a time of significant service improvement. The role will support strategic financial planning, commissioning oversight and financial governance across a range of SEND services and provision, helping ensure resources are used effectively to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people. Working closely with SEND leaders, placement teams, commissioning colleagues and corporate finance, you will provide specialist financial analysis, monitoring and reporting across High Needs Block funded services and commissioned SEND provision. About the Role The postholder will play a key role in supporting financial sustainability across SEND services by:

• Monitoring SEND budgets, expenditure and financial commitments.
• Supporting financial forecasting and budget management across High Needs funded services.
• Tracking specialist placement expenditure and identifying emerging financial pressures.
• Monitoring Out of Authority funding and recoupment arrangements.
• Supporting financial oversight of EOTAS, Alternative Provision and commissioned packages.
• Monitoring commissioned therapies and specialist interventions.
• Supporting commissioning and procurement activity.
• Producing reports and financial analysis for senior leaders and governance boards.
• Using financial intelligence to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.
You will also contribute to the ongoing development of financial systems, processes and reporting arrangements to ensure the Council continues to meet its statutory responsibilities whilst achieving value for money.

We are looking for someone who can combine strong financial and analytical skills with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.,
• Experience of working within a finance, commissioning, contracts or performance-management environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience of interpreting and presenting complex financial information.
• Excellent Excel and data analysis skills.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, providers and partner organisations.
• Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines. Experience of SEND, education, social care commissioning, public sector finance or High Needs Block funding would be advantageous but is not essential., In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
  
  This is an opportunity to become part of an ambitious and improving SEND service that is investing in additional capacity and new ways of working.
In return we offer:
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Commitment to learning and development.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities to influence strategic commissioning and financial decision-making within one of the Council's highest-profile service areas.
Key Message for Candidates This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with data, finance and commissioning information, but who also wants to see a direct impact on the lives of children and young people. You will help ensure resources are targeted effectively, services remain sustainable and families receive the support they need at the right time.