Finance Consultancy
Our Finance Consultancy service is designed to support schools and MATs by outsourcing finance tasks and offering expert guidance to improve financial operations.
Benefits of Outsourcing
Financial Tasks
Whether you require short-term assistance or long-term support, our tailored packages provide the flexibility and expertise you need.
- Expert Support: Gain access to experienced finance professionals who understand the complexities school finance, including qualified accountants ex-CFOs and experienced SBMs.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduce overhead costs associated with in-house finance teams while maintaining high-quality financial management.
- Time-Saving: Free up valuable time for school leaders to focus on strategic priorities.
- Compliance & Accuracy: Ensure your financial processes meet regulatory requirements and best practices.
- Scalability: Choose a level of support that suits your current needs and easily scale up when required.
“We started using School Business Services as our existing finance support was no longer meeting our needs. The finance SLA support that has been provided by SBS has been excellent; we have access to a consistent finance consultant who works flexibly to meet the needs of our college. Our support sessions are planned in advance over the year and there is always an organised and well thought out approach to the work that needs to be completed. I really enjoy working with our finance consultant and would definitely recommend the service to other education providers.”
Finance Consultancy Packages
We offer a range of finance consultancy packages tailored for both MATs and maintained schools. Whether you need managed accounts, payroll assistance, or strategic financial planning, our solutions are designed to complement your existing finance team and systems. Contact us for a full list of services included in each package.
Core Package for Maintained schools
For schools where local authorities are reducing or removing finance support, covering key financial tasks:
- Bank reconciliation & payroll journal
- Payroll & VAT reconciliation
- VAT returns
- Budget monitoring & setting support
MAT Partner Package / Partner Plus
For MATs & SATs needing full or complementary outsourced finance support:
- Month-end close: accruals, prepayments, & bank rec review
- Monthly control account reconciliations
- Management accounts: I&E, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow & variance reports
Strategic CFO Support Service
Expert oversight to ensure strategic, compliant, and efficient financial management:
- Consolidated management reports for Trustees
- ICFP planning & school support
- Financial & accounting policy reviews
- Lead internal scrutiny & work with auditors
Finance Service Desk
Regardless of the finance system you use, our Service Desk is just a phone call away to provide financial guidance, software technical support and troubleshooting.
Our friendly experts are available 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Service Desk is available on its own or as part of a finance package.
IRIS Financials Support
SBS' expert Finance & Accounting team is accredited to support IRIS Financials, enhance it and train your staff whatever your experience or objective.
We deliver health checks, system corrections, setup and more.
Budget support and BFR package
- BFR Submission
- Budget Review
- Unlimited Service desk from
qualified accountancy team
Bespoke Finance Support
Every school and trust has unique financial needs.
Whether you need assistance for a particular finance function or full-scale support, we’re here to help. Contact us to discuss your requirements and build a package that works for you.
For more information on our Finance Consultancy service, or to discuss a bespoke support package, get in touch with our team today.
Related resources
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Ready to talk to an Expert?
For more information on our Finance Consultancy service,
or to discuss a bespoke support package,
schedule a call with our team today.
Get in touch