Finance Business Partner

Cornwall Education Learning Trust; St. Austell; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Health and wellbeing

Family and flexibility

Financial benefits

Job summary

Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT) is seeking a Finance Business Partner to join our team at Poltair School, St Austell. You will work with the CFO and Trust Finance Lead to shape financial strategy, provide high-quality financial management and strategic advice across CELT schools, ensuring resources are used effectively to support learners.

The role involves budget planning, monthly reporting, scenario modelling and partnering with Headteachers and senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Experience in financial planning, budgeting and reports.
• Ability to translate complex financial information for non-financial audiences.
• Proven track record in education finance or similar sector is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Financial planning and strategy: Lead financial planning for allocated schools, support the annual budget cycle and develop multi-year forecasts and scenario models.
• Financial management and reporting: Prepare monthly budget monitoring reports, analyse performance and supply clear financial information to school leaders and Trustees.
• Strategic business partnering: Build trusted relationships with Headteachers and senior leaders, translate financial data into actionable insights.
• Financial sustainability: Advise on staffing structures, pupil numbers, funding changes and align budgets with priorities.
• Compliance and governance: Support statutory reporting, audits and compliance with contracts and policies.
• Systems and continuous improvement: Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and controls across the Trust.
• Leadership and development: Support and line manage finance staff and promote a positive team culture.

Skills

Analytical and commercially minded

Excel proficiency

Strong communication

Strategic thinking

Education

AAT/CCAB Level 4 qualification or above

Five GCSEs including English and Maths

Job description

About the Role

Salary: L1-L6 (£47,347-£55,796 FTE)

Full-time or part-time would be considered on 4 days per week.

This is a CELT Shared Services position that will be based at Poltair School, St Austell.

Are you an experienced finance professional looking for an opportunity to use your financial expertise to make a real difference in education?

Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT) is seeking a proactive, analytical and commercially minded Finance Business Partner to join our team and provide high-quality financial management, strategic support and professional advice across a number of our schools.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in partnership with Headteachers, Directors of Phase and senior leaders, helping to shape financial strategy, support effective decision-making and ensure resources are used efficiently to deliver the best possible educational outcomes for our learners.

What will you be doing?

As a Finance Business Partner, you will play a key role in supporting the financial sustainability and strategic development of our schools. Working closely with the Trust Finance Lead and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), your responsibilities will include:

• Financial planning and strategy: Leading financial planning for allocated schools, supporting the annual budget cycle and developing accurate multi-year forecasts and scenario models to inform strategic decisions.

• Financial management and reporting: Preparing monthly budget monitoring reports, analysing financial performance and providing clear, timely financial information to school leaders, executive leaders and Trustees.

• Strategic business partnering: Building strong, trusted relationships with Headteachers, Directors of Phase, Finance Officers and other key colleagues, translating complex financial information into meaningful insights and practical recommendations.

• Financial sustainability: Advising leaders on staffing structures, pupil numbers, funding changes and other financial considerations, ensuring budgets align with educational priorities and long-term plans.

• Compliance and governance: Supporting statutory financial reporting, audit processes and compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook, Funding Agreements and internal financial policies.

• Systems and continuous improvement: Identifying opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting tools and internal controls, promoting efficiency and consistency across the Trust.

• Leadership and development: Supporting and line managing allocated finance staff, encouraging collaboration, accountability, professional development and a positive team culture.

You will also contribute to financial training and guidance across the Trust, helping colleagues strengthen their financial understanding and make informed, effective decisions.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a confident and collaborative finance professional who can combine strong technical expertise with excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

You will be comfortable analysing complex financial information, developing forecasts and financial models, and presenting clear advice to colleagues who may not have a finance background. With a high level of Excel proficiency, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines, you will bring a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

You will hold an AAT/CCAB Level 4 qualification or above, have at least five GCSEs including English and Maths at grade C or equivalent, and have experience working within a finance function or accountancy practice. Experience operating financial systems and presenting complex financial information to non-financial audiences is essential.

Experience within an educational setting, producing management accounts and complex financial forecasts, or managing junior staff would be advantageous. Knowledge of school-based accounting systems, the Academy Trust Handbook and education sector funding would also be beneficial.

Above all, you will share our commitment to using resources responsibly and effectively to support our schools, colleagues and learners.

Why join Cornwall Education Learning Trust?

At CELT, our mission is to provide every learner with an exceptional educational experience. Our family of 16 schools educates approximately 9,000 learners across mid-Cornwall, supported by a collaborative community of around 1,200 colleagues.

Joining CELT means becoming part of a values-driven organisation where collaboration, innovation and care for people are at the heart of everything we do.

We are committed to empowering our people and creating opportunities for professional and personal growth. Our staff entitlement includes:

• Professional development: Access to training, mentoring, networking and opportunities to develop your skills and career.

• Health and wellbeing: Access to health screenings, discounted gym and leisure memberships, mental health support and a confidential employee assistance helpline.

• Family and flexibility: Family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and up to five days of paid emergency leave for dependants.

• Financial benefits: A generous public sector pension scheme and access to the Cycle to Work scheme.

You will have the opportunity to contribute to the long-term success of our schools, influence strategic financial decisions and work alongside colleagues who are passionate about making a difference to the communities we serve.