Finance Business Partner

Hays Accountancy and Finance; Grays; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading further education institution in Essex as a Finance Business Partner, playing a key role in financial strategy and operations. You will be responsible for budget planning, resource allocation, and financial control, ensuring compliance and delivering impactful outcomes for the college community. The role offers a supportive environment, professional development opportunities, and a competitive pension scheme.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

35 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

Opportunities for professional development

Supportive and inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant.
• Strong background in finance business partnering.
• Experience in education or public sector finance is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning, annual budgeting, and long-term forecasting.
• Oversee monthly reconciliations and payroll management.
• Ensure robust financial controls and compliance with regulations.

Skills

Financial planning

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Communication

Education

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 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. 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 a college that values integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.



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