Education Finance Partner - Strategy & Budgets

Cornwall Education Learning Trust; St. Austell; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Health and wellbeing

Family and flexibility

Financial benefits

Job summary

Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT) is seeking a Finance Business Partner to join our team at Poltair School, St Austell. You will work with the CFO and Trust Finance Lead to shape financial strategy, provide high-quality financial management and strategic advice across CELT schools, ensuring resources are used effectively to support learners.

The role involves budget planning, monthly reporting, scenario modelling and partnering with Headteachers and senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Experience in financial planning, budgeting and reports.
• Ability to translate complex financial information for non-financial audiences.
• Proven track record in education finance or similar sector is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Financial planning and strategy: Lead financial planning for allocated schools, support the annual budget cycle and develop multi-year forecasts and scenario models.
• Financial management and reporting: Prepare monthly budget monitoring reports, analyse performance and supply clear financial information to school leaders and Trustees.
• Strategic business partnering: Build trusted relationships with Headteachers and senior leaders, translate financial data into actionable insights.
• Financial sustainability: Advise on staffing structures, pupil numbers, funding changes and align budgets with priorities.
• Compliance and governance: Support statutory reporting, audits and compliance with contracts and policies.
• Systems and continuous improvement: Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and controls across the Trust.
• Leadership and development: Support and line manage finance staff and promote a positive team culture.

Skills

Analytical and commercially minded

Excel proficiency

Strong communication

Strategic thinking

Education

AAT/CCAB Level 4 qualification or above

Five GCSEs including English and Maths

Job description

Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT) is seeking a Finance Business Partner to join our team at Poltair School, St Austell. You will work with the CFO and Trust Finance Lead to shape financial strategy, provide high-quality financial management and strategic advice across CELT schools, ensuring resources are used effectively to support learners.

The role involves budget planning, monthly reporting, scenario modelling and partnering with Headteachers and senior leaders.