Finance Business Partner

AQA; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Manchester is seeking a Finance Business Partner to drive strategic financial decision-making. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to provide financial insight and support key projects. The role offers a salary of £48,000 – £55,000, hybrid working options, and a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Flexible working and 25 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with a minimum of three years post-qualification experience.
• Exceptional ability to evaluate complex data and situations critically.
• Strong consulting, negotiation, and communication skills, especially with non-finance colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Lead finance contact for key internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide financial planning, forecasting, and commercial analysis.
• Build strong relationships and communicate financial insight to non-finance colleagues.

Skills

Analytical & Critical Thinking

Leadership & Initiative

Communication & Influence

Commercial & Financial Acumen

Project & Conflict Management

Autonomy & Drive

Education

Full accountancy qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

Finance Business Partner

Permanent

Manchester: £48,000 – £55,000

Hybrid 2 days per week, with Monday as an Anchor day

Bring your commercial insight to a role where finance drives strategy, not just numbers.

You’ll be joining a collaborative Commercial Finance team of 8, where teamwork, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement are central to how we work. This isn’t just another finance role. You’ll be at the heart of commercial decision-making, with the freedom to think creatively and the support to grow professionally.

Responsibilities

• Acting as the lead finance contact for key internal and external stakeholders, including Assessment Technology and AQA’s subsidiaries
• Providing financial planning, forecasting, and commercial analysis to support strategic decisions and project delivery
• Embedding yourself in cross-functional teams to influence outcomes, challenge constructively, and drive continuous improvement
• You’ll also need to travel occasionally to other AQA business locations to support collaborative meetings with stakeholders and project teams
• Build strong relationships and communicate financial insight to non-finance colleagues
• Bring experience of finance business partnering in a complex, fast-paced environment
• Demonstrate a proactive, can-do attitude and a willingness to challenge upwards
• Show confidence in managing multiple priorities and influencing stakeholders

What’s required

• Hold a full accountancy qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW or equivalent)
• Qualification: Fully qualified accountant with a minimum of three years post-qualification experience
• Analytical & Critical Thinking: Exceptional ability to evaluate complex data and situations critically
• Leadership & Initiative: Demonstrates strong leadership by supporting core stakeholders and stepping into cross-functional work as needed
• Proactivity in leading team-wide projects and process improvements
• Communication & Influence: Strong consulting, negotiation, and communication skills, especially with non-finance colleagues
• Commercial & Financial Acumen: Proficient in product profitability, portfolio modelling, and ERP systems
• Project & Conflict Management: Skilled in managing multiple objectives and constructively handling conflict
• Autonomy & Drive: Operates independently with passion, energy, and a self-starting attitude

What’s in It for You

• Exposure to high-impact commercial projects and strategic decision-making
• A collaborative, inclusive team culture that values your ideas and wellbeing
• Flexible working, a 35-hour week, and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and Christmas closure)
• A generous pension scheme with up to 11.5% employer contributions
• Private medical insurance, health cash plan, EV leasing, volunteering days, and modern offices with gym
• Opportunities to shape financial strategy across diverse business models and subsidiaries
• Access to learning and development, including leadership and strategic thinking

Diversity and Inclusion

At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV and a short cover letter.

Application deadline: Thursday 9th October 2025

Interviews will take place in two stages: an initial Teams interview week ending 13th October with final face-to-face interviews happening mid to late October. Offers expected to be completed by end of October 2025

We’re looking forward to hearing from you

#PRO22

Recruitment

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place. Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.