Is it worth doing a Certificate in School Business Management?

[WarTime]

I have long experience in the world of finance, but after a serious life change am currently working only a few hours a week as a school finance officer. I am madly overqualified for the job, but am enjoying it and it suits me FTB.

Looking to the future, I have no intention whatsoever of going back to the city, but know I will want stretching more at some point. A school bursar/business manager/finance director role appeals and I know that I am perfectly capable and qualified to do it. I have a 2:1 degree in finance, which included personnel, accounting, some law, lots of really relevant stuff, plus my experience.

However, most ads for these kinds of roles ask for the CSBM or equivalent finance qualification. I understand it is a very basic qualification, mostly done on-line and which takes about a year. So, IMO I already have better relevant qualifications, but would it be worthwhile doing the CBSM, so that I have what they've asked for or would schools recognise that my degree gives them all that and more?

Two points:

-Your degree is generic and awarded years ago, the CSBM would be specific and recent.
-Do you think that an educational establishment you know, wot do qualifications would, possibly perhaps, be keener on someone who has The 'Right' Qualification?

Hi WarTime, I found your post interesting as I too have a finance background, currently in accounting for a local authority, but interested in becoming a bursar, however, I am looking at Independent School positions. I would have thought that an independent school would value your qualifications and experience. Another question for anyone else reading these posts, is CSBM just for state school business managers?

I spoke to the bursar at local private school recently and he is ex army. He told me that lots of bursars in private schools are, if that is of any interest.

A friend of mine has just completed the CSBM, and I think it is more relevant for state schools. I don't think the qualification is all that easy, I know she had lots of essays to write.

I have wondered about doing this myself (I am a qualified Accountant).

Hi Marmitelover, thanks for your comments. I read recently that about a third of independent school bursars come from the forces, a third from accounting and a third from other finance backgrounds such as banking. I am also qualified but have a public sector accounting qualification which they might not be so keen on in the private sector :-(

not worth doing

I'm a degree educated qualified accountant working as SBM for an independent school. I undertook the DSBM a couple of years ago - my relevant work experience and education / qualifications exempted me from the CSBM, but I had to submit quite a lengthy rationale of why I should be exempted, which was ratified by my Headteacher and Chair of Govs. There were a handful of external participants in my cohort, none of which had done the CSBM first. They had to go through quite a lengthy selection process to gain admission to the course.

Even though I had been doing my role for several years I found the DSBM very useful. Working in the independent sector I was unaware of many of the issues facing colleagues in the maintained sector, and should I ever wish to move, I am sure the qualification will help me get through the application process!

equivalent finance qualification plus extra is usually a degree in teh relevant subject, AAT or similar professional qualification so you are on good ground.

CSBM/DSBM is usually good for maintained school business managers but not all of the state sector.