Finance Business Partner

Hays Senior Finance; Grays; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading college in Essex as a Finance Business Partner, reporting directly to the Chief Finance Officer. This critical role involves leading financial planning, ensuring robust financial controls, and fostering relationships with stakeholders to enhance the college's financial strategy and operational success. Enjoy a supportive workplace culture with opportunities for professional development and a highly competitive pension scheme in a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

35 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Opportunities for professional development

Supportive and inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Experience in finance business partnering or management accounting.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills required.
• Collaboration mindset with ability to influence at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning, annual budgeting, and long-term forecasting.
• Oversee monthly reconciliations and payroll management.
• Deliver accurate management reporting and analysis.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Financial insight

Budget management

Collaboration

Education

Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA)

Job description

Finance Business Partner
Location: Essex (Hybrid: 4 days on-site across South Essex)
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Be a Strategic Financial Leader at One of Essex's Leading CollegesWe are looking for a talented and forward-thinking Finance Business Partner to join the College Management Team at a leading further education institution in South Essex. Reporting directly to the Chief Finance Officer (CFO), this is a critical leadership role at the heart of the college's financial strategy and operations.You will manage the Finance business support function, supporting effective budget planning, resource allocation, and financial control - all with the goal of delivering the best outcomes for students and staff.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning, annual budgeting, and long-term forecasting
• Oversee monthly reconciliations and payroll management
• Partner with budget holders to provide financial insight, challenge, and support
• Deliver clear, accurate management reporting and analysis
• Ensure robust financial controls and compliance with regulatory requirements
• Build strong relationships with both internal teams and external stakeholders

What We're Looking For

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACA)
• Strong background in finance business partnering or management accounting
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• A collaborative mindset and ability to influence at all levels
• Experience in education or public sector finance is a plus but not essential

What's in It for You?

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) - highly competitive, defined benefit pension
• 35 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• Hybrid working model - work 4 days per week on-site at locations across South Essex
• Opportunities for professional development and progression
• A supportive and inclusive workplace culture focused on impact and innovation

Make a real difference where it matters most.Join a college that values integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.



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