Finance Business Partner

Discovery Inc; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Cycle-to-work scheme

Gym discounts

Eyecare vouchers

Dental support

Retail discounts

Annual incremental pay increases

Job summary

Discovery Schools Trust is seeking a proactive Finance Business Partner to join the Central Finance Team. The role supports trust schools in maintaining strong financial performance and ensuring resources are managed to benefit pupils and staff.

You will work with the Director of Finance to drive governance, controls and process improvements. The ideal candidate will be an organised finance professional with strong communication and stakeholder management skills, able to lead improvements and

Qualifications

• Experience producing management accounts and month-end reporting.
• Budget setting and budgetary control.
• Familiarity with financial processes and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support and enhance the Trust finance function.
• Assist trust schools to maintain financial performance.
• Collaborate with the Director of Finance and colleagues across schools and central services.
• Strengthen financial operations and develop systems to improve services.

Skills

Management accounting

Budgeting

Financial controls

Stakeholder management

Process improvement

Team leadership

Education

A Level with maths & English GCSEs

NVQ3 / AAT or equivalent

Job description

Preferred working days are Monday to Wednesday, although there is some flexibility around the days, with Wednesday being a definite requirement, Note: The role will be hybrid, working across Parklands and school locations, subject to business needs. We are looking to appoint a driven and energetic Finance Business Partner who will support and enhance the Trust finance function. This role will support trust schools to maintain their financial performance to enable pupils and staff to reach their potential. At Discovery Trust, we believe that every child deserves to belong, thrive and achieve. Behind every successful school is a strong and effective support team, and we're looking for a talented Finance Business Partner to join our Central Finance Team. This is an exciting opportunity for an organised and detail-focused finance professional who enjoys working collaboratively, solving problems and ensuring high standards of financial accuracy and compliance. This is a pivotal role that combines operational finance leadership with the opportunity to improve processes, develop systems and help shape how financial services are delivered across our academies and central services. Working closely with the Director of Finance and colleagues across our schools and central services teams, you will play a key role in supporting the financial operations of the Trust and helping to ensure that resources are managed effectively for the benefit of our pupils.

Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a values-led organisation where your work will have a direct impact on schools, colleagues and pupils. You'll play a key role in strengthening financial operations, driving innovation and helping ensure resources are managed effectively to support educational excellence.

• Educated to A Level or above, including a minimum of five GCSE or equivalent grade C in mathematics and English
• Finance related qualification at NVQ level 3 or equivalent (e.g. AAT)
• Experience of producing management accounts and delivering month end process reporting
• Experience of budget setting and budgetary control
• Familiarity of financial process and procedures

You will be a proactive and solutions-focused finance professional with:

• Experience in financial management and operational finance.
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, governance and compliance.
• Experience of managing and improving financial systems and processes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to analyse problems, identify solutions and drive positive change.
• Experience of leading and developing others.
• A commitment to delivering excellent customer service and supporting colleagues across the organisation.

Professional Growth & Support

• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
• Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
• Highly committed and motivated Team.
• A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun.
• A established Central Services Team who support schools and wider colleagues.

Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits

• Flexible working options.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• Be an integral member of the team in a vibrant school.
• Create an outstanding learning environment for the success of all of our children.
• Play a significant part in continuing to develop our school.
• Be part of a wider community of Discovery Schools Trust.
• Free childcare.

Additional Perks

• Free parking.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Gym discounts.
• Eyecare vouchers.
• Dental support.
• Retail discounts.
• Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.

Equal Opportunities & Accessibility