Masterplan School Finance
One experienced professional. Dedicated, personal support for your school.
Masterplan School Finance Ltd
Masterplan School Finance is an owner-led business, providing clients with direct access to expertise, fast decision-making, and a highly personalised service. As the sole operator of Masterplan School Finance Ltd, I take great pride in giving schools that personal touch.
About Me (Dave Abbiss)
I am passionate about education and believe it to be of paramount importance to a thriving and successful society. I am also acutely aware of the financial challenges that schools have faced for the past decade. I am motivated by the belief that I can help to alleviate this burden for schools, using my experience as a budget officer and my expertise in school finance. As well as offering schools budget officer services and financial consultancy, I have fifteen years' experience as a School Business Manager, which allows me to support schools across the full spectrum of school business management. My goal is very simple: to take the stress out of school finance so that school leaders can focus on the children. I know how complex and time-consuming school finance can be, and I genuinely care about getting it right for every school I work with. When you work with me, you get one dedicated person who knows your school — and who is only ever a phone call away.
What I Do
Budget Setting & Monitoring
I handle annual budget setting with the Head Teacher and Business Manager, produce a minimum of six Budget Monitoring Reports, and deliver Three Year Projections at least four times per year.
Financial Reporting to Governors
I attend Governing Body meetings and present Budget Monitoring, Projections and any other financial information requested — giving governors the clarity they need to fulfil their statutory responsibilities.
Year-End & Local Authority Returns
I manage the full closedown of the financial year, all year-end returns to the local authority, termly monitoring reports, and monthly CB12 returns and bank reconciliations.
Payroll & VAT
I handle payroll reconciliations and payroll journals on the school finance system, plus monthly VAT returns and reconciliation of the VAT control code.
Ongoing Support & Advice
I am always available — quick responses to calls and emails as standard. I provide expert advice on funding, procurement, staffing scenarios, efficiency savings and income generation.
Ad Hoc & Project Support
I also offer flexible project-based support including in-depth budget reviews, benchmarking, training for Business Managers and Governors, bid writing, and financial reviews of catering, wrap-around care and property.
How I Work
Reliability
You can count on me to be there when you need me. I deliver consistently and follow through on everything I commit to.
Professionalism
I hold myself to the highest professional standards — in the quality of my work, my communication, and the way I represent your school.
Expertise
Deep, specialist knowledge of school finance built over many years of practical, hands-on experience across a range of schools.
Approachability
I am friendly, accessible, and genuinely happy to help with anything — no question is too small and no call is an inconvenience.
Want to find out more?
Get in touch with Dave Abbiss for a friendly, no-obligation conversation.
Contact