SEND Finance & Recoupment Manager

Brent is seeking an experienced qualified accountant with significant SEND finance experience to provide urgent cover for the departing Finance & Recoupment Manager. The successful candidate will need to hit the ground running, ideally starting by 4 November 2026 to allow for a handover before the current postholder leaves on 18 November 2026.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Lead the management and oversight of SEND funding and recoupment processes.
• Manage the financial operation of the High Needs Block and wider Dedicated Schools Grant.
• Review and streamline payment arrangements for SEND providers, particularly where large numbers of placements exist.
• Support and improve funding models including direct payments to providers, personal budgets for parents and carers, school funding reconciliations, recoupment and funding recovery processes.
• Provide expert financial advice on SEND funding, school funding and DSG regulations.
• Ensure compliance with DfE funding guidance and statutory requirements.
• Work closely with education, SEND, and finance stakeholders to improve financial controls, reporting, and funding efficiencies.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Qualified Accountant (CCAB/CIPFA/ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent).
• Extensive experience within SEND finance in a local authority setting.
• Strong understanding of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), particularly the High Needs Block (HNB).
• Experience managing and monitoring complex SEND funding arrangements and budgets.
• Sound knowledge of DfE funding guidance and SEND funding regulations.
• Experience supporting funding arrangements for children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Previously held a SEND Finance Manager, High Needs Finance Manager, DSG Finance Lead or similar role within local government.

Ideal Candidate:

• Strong understanding of the relationship between school funding, DSG allocations, and High Needs expenditure.
• Experience delivering process improvements and driving efficiencies across SEND funding operations.
• Able to work independently with minimal handover and provide immediate operational support.