Finance Business Partner

Affinity Partnerships; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust is seeking a proactive Finance Business Partner to join a supportive finance team. The role delivers monthly management accounts, budgets, forecasts and financial analysis to school leaders and governors across eight schools.

You will influence financial performance, drive improvements, and support year-end processes while liaising with Headteachers and the CFO to ensure long-term sustainability and educational impact.

Qualifications

• ACA/ACCA/CCAB qualification or equivalent.
• Experience preparing management accounts and variance analysis.
• Experience budgeting, forecasting and financial monitoring.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Proficiency with financial systems and Excel.
• Clear communication of complex financial information to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Head of Finance and senior leaders to deliver a first-class finance service across the Trust.
• Produce monthly management accounts, budgets and forecasts.
• Provide financial analysis, advice and challenge to school leaders and governors.
• Monitor financial performance and ensure schools remain financially sustainable.
• Manage cashflow forecasting, bank reconciliations and budget monitoring processes.
• Support year-end accounts preparation and external audit requirements.
• Ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook and Trust financial procedures.
• Produce and present financial reports to governing bodies and stakeholders.
• Support School Business Managers and act as a trusted finance partner to schools.
• Drive process improvements, efficiencies and digital transformation initiatives.
• Deputise for Head of Finance when required.

Skills

ACA/ACCA/CCAB

Management accounts

Budgeting & forecasting

Financial analysis

Excel

Stakeholder communication

Attention to detail

Commercial acumen

Education

ACA/ACCA/CCAB qualification

AAT Level 4

Tools

Budget modelling tools

Finance systems

Excel

Job description

Overview

Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust is seeking an ambitious and talented Finance Business Partner to join our experienced and supportive finance team. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact within a growing Trust that currently serves over 3,700 children across eight schools, with further expansion planned in the coming years. As we continue our journey of growth and academisation, we are looking for a finance professional who can provide high-quality financial leadership, challenge and support to our schools and Trust leaders. If you are passionate about education, enjoy building strong professional relationships and want to help ensure that every pound spent delivers the greatest possible benefit for children and young people, we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Working closely with the Head of Finance, CFOO, Headteachers and School Business Managers, you will play a key role in delivering a first-class finance service across the Trust.
• Supporting the production of monthly management accounts, budgets and forecasts.
• Providing financial analysis, advice and challenge to school leaders and governors.
• Monitoring financial performance and ensuring schools remain financially sustainable.
• Managing cashflow forecasting, bank reconciliations and budget monitoring processes.
• Supporting year-end accounts preparation and external audit requirements.
• Ensuring compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook and Trust financial procedures.
• Producing and presenting financial reports to governing bodies and stakeholders.
• Supporting School Business Managers and acting as a trusted finance partner to schools.
• Driving process improvements, efficiencies and digital transformation initiatives.
• Deputising for the Head of Finance when required.

About You

• We are looking for a proactive and commercially minded finance professional who can combine strong technical expertise with excellent relationship-building skills.
• You will have:
• ACA, ACCA, CCAB qualification or AAT Level 4 (or significant relevant school/MAT finance experience).
• Strong experience of preparing management accounts and variance analysis.
• Experience of budgeting, forecasting and financial monitoring.
• Excellent analytical and numerical skills.
• Experience working with financial systems and Excel.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to a range of stakeholders.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and delivering excellent customer service.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in a Multi Academy Trust, school or education environment.
• Experience implementing process improvements and responding to audit recommendations.
• Experience using budget modelling tools.
• Experience supporting organisational growth and change programmes.

Why Join Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust

• Join a growing and ambitious Trust at a pivotal stage of development.
• Work alongside experienced and supportive finance professionals.
• Receive coaching, mentoring and career development opportunities.
• Play a strategic role in supporting school improvement and educational outcomes.
• Contribute to a Trust guided by the values of Joy, Dignity, Mercy, Solidarity and Service.

Safeguarding

Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check, medical clearance, verification of qualifications and the right to work in the UK.

Apply

If you are an experienced finance professional looking for a rewarding role where your expertise can directly support schools and improve outcomes for children, we would be delighted to hear from you.