Finance Business Partner

Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust; Houghton-le-Spring; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust is seeking a Finance Business Partner to work with Headteachers, School Business Leads, Governors and senior leaders to drive financial sustainability across our multi-academy trust.

You will lead budgeting, forecasting, reporting, compliance, and continuous improvement, ensuring funds are used effectively to maximise pupil outcomes. The role requires collaboration and strong accounting qualifications.

Qualifications

• Experience in management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Commitment to financial governance and continuous improvement.
• Working towards or holding a recognised accounting qualification.

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting and forecasting across multiple schools within the Trust.
• Provide high-quality financial management support to Headteachers and senior leaders.
• Ensure compliance and robust financial governance.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes.

Skills

Management accounting

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial reporting

Stakeholder management

Education

Accounting qualification (ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA)

Job description

CEO: Mr T.B. Tapping

Responsible to: Finance Manager/Chief Financial Officer

Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust are looking to recruit a Finance Business Partner. This is an exciting opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys working collaboratively with school leaders, influencing decision-making, and helping to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of a successful and ambitious Multi-Academy Trust.

As a key member of the central finance function, you will work closely with Headteachers, School Business Leads, Governors, and senior leaders to provide high-quality financial management support across our schools. You will play a vital role in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives, helping to ensure that resources are used effectively to maximise outcomes for pupils.

We are looking for a proactive finance professional with experience in management accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. The successful candidate will have strong analytical and communication skills, be able to build effective relationships with a range of stakeholders, and be committed to maintaining high standards of financial governance and continuous improvement, ideally with or working towards a recognised accounting qualification.

Why Join Us?

We offer:

• The opportunity to make a real difference across a growing and ambitious Trust.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Access to a generous pension scheme and employee benefits package.
• Flexible and modern approaches to finance and business improvement.

Electronic signatures will be accepted but candidates will be required to add a written signature to their application when circumstances allow.

The position we are filling is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS from the Disclosure and Barring Service is required as part of pre-employment checks. An online search will be completed for all shortlisted candidates.

Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and we expect staff and volunteers to share this commitment.