Casual School Business Manager

This role is to support Reading Borough Council (RBC) maintained schools and the School Finance Support team on an ad-hoc basis to provide cover for a School Business manager (SBM) and work on specific strategic school finance projects as part of the School Finance Support Team.

 

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

 

We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service.

 

About the role

 

Are you an experienced School Business Manager looking for flexible work? Reading Borough Council is seeking skilled professionals to provide business management support to primary schools across the borough on a casual, as-needed basis.

 

As a Casual School Business Manager, you will step in to support schools with key operational and financial responsibilities. This could include: 

• Supporting and guiding schools to operate, maintain and develop administrative and financial procedures and system
• Contribute to the efficient management and smooth running of school finances by carrying out specific projects, using knowledge to suggest innovative ways to raise funding and find cost savings
• Support school during SBM absence in non-financial areas such as H&S, HR and property management and supporting school staff
• Help School Finance Support Team to improve efficiency of school finance systems
• Provide strategic advice and guidance to schools facing a deficit budget
• Represent School Finance Support Team at meetings bringing local knowledge and expertise

 

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

 

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

 

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

 

About you

 

We are looking for candidates with:

• Experience in school business management – a NASBM qualification is preferred
• Able to demonstrate up-to-date knowledge and experience of school resource management and FMS school accounting systems
• Excellent organisation, planning and analytical skills
• Strong communication skills and experience of working at a senior level
• Good numerical skills to analyse, draw conclusions and provide recommendations
• The ability to quickly adapt to different school environments

 

Why join us?

 

• Flexibility – choose assignments that fit your schedule as part of a pool of experienced SBMs
• Variety – work across different schools and broaden your experience
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in local schools

 

If you’re ready for a rewarding and flexible role, we’d love to hear from you!

 

Our offer

 

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

 

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

 

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities 
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years.  The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

 

 

For more information on this position please contact Clare Warren, School Finance Business Manager at clare.warren@reading.gov.uk      

Closing Date: Monday 5th May 2025

Interview Date: Week commencing 12th May 2025

 

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.