Senior Finance Business Partner

Michael Page (UK); Sutton Coldfield; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Senior Finance Business Partner to oversee financial services for academies in the South London/Surrey region. The role requires CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualification and offers a competitive salary of £52,000 to £60,000 per annum, alongside a comprehensive benefits package. A collaborative work environment focused on professional growth is provided.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Local government pension scheme

Opportunity for professional growth

Qualifications

• Proven experience in finance business partnering, preferably in Education or public sector.
• Continuous improvement mindset and ability to challenge the status quo.
• Experience in line management and interest in people development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee high-quality financial service provision to academies.
• Develop budgets and financial plans for region’s academies.
• Manage production of month-end reporting and ensure accuracy.

Skills

Finance business partnering

Financial management

Budget planning and analysis

Excellent communication

Team player

Education

CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualified

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Senior Finance Business Partner CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualified
• South London/Surrey border Education/Charity

About Our Client

The organisation operates within the Education/Charity sector and is a medium-sized entity, dedicated to delivering impactful services and achieving its mission. It offers a collaborative and professional environment for its employees.

Job Description

As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you will oversee and be professionally responsible for the provision of a high‑quality financial service to the academies the post‑holder is accountable for. This post is central to supporting the trust and its academies to achieve their strategic aims and objectives, via effective and efficient management of financial resources to ultimately transform the lives of young people.

• Working closely with School Leadership Teams to discuss financial strategy, management accounts, budgets & forecasts and to provide financial and commercial advice.
• Working with trust finance colleagues to drive continuous improvement in controls, find efficiencies in processes and enhance financial analysis which adds value.
• Working closely with other trust departments such as HR, Estates and Procurement to align staffing, estates and supplier strategies with financial plans.

Specific Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Meet regularly with the Principals / Headteachers to discuss financial strategy, monthly management accounts, risks & opportunities, forecasts and to provide financial and commercial advice.
• Lead on the development of budgets and the three‑year financial plans for the academies in the region, ensuring they reflect the strategic priorities of the academies and the academy development plan.
• Develop an in‑depth understanding of the education provision within the academies to allow for financial modelling of cost drivers and future planning.
• Manage the relationship with the home local authority for the academies supported to ensure a pro‑active relationship regarding income and banding discussions.
• Lead on trust‑wide projects as assigned to ensure consistency and best practice.

Financial Management

• Manage the production of insightful month‑end reporting in line with the reporting timetable and maintain procedures to ensure financial transactions are recorded and reported accurately within the accounting system.
• Management Accounts reviews should ensure control and understanding of income and expenditure, balance sheet and cash flow with commentary on key variances and highlighting any risks and opportunities.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the finance function, in line with management priorities and promote shared learning and good practice across the wider Trust.
• Proactively implement the Trust's policies and procedures and ensure compliance with the Trust's financial regulations.
• Prepare the budgets and three‑year plan in line with Trust guidance for the academies responsible for.
• Periodically update robust financial forecasts as required for the academies and ensure budgeting controls are upheld and that the academies work within the approved budget.
• Ensure monthly payrolls are checked and authorised in line with expectations and ensure controls and linkage between headcount planning and forecasting and actual results.
• Provide financial training for school leadership teams, budget holders and other members of staff as required.
• Lead on the partnership with the Local Governing Body (LGB) as the finance contact providing information and attending meetings as required.
• Maintain information in a confidential manner, following data protection regulations.

People Management & Professional Development

• Provide full line management to Assistant Finance Business Partner and Finance Officer including objective setting, review and feedback, development, training, motivation and support.
• Ensure training and development is available where needed for school contacts.

The Successful Applicant

• CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualified accountant.
• Proven experience of finance business partnering, preferably within the Education or public sector.
• Demonstrable knowledge of financial management, budget planning, analysis and reporting.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a desire to challenge the status quo.
• Excellent communication skills with proven ability in working with non‑financial stakeholders.
• Experience of line management and an interest in people development.
• Proficiency with Microsoft packages and ability to learn finance systems required.
• Flexible, team‑player with a can‑do attitude to providing the best service to schools possible.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary between £52,000 and £60,000 per annum.
• Comprehensive benefits package including a local government pension scheme.
• Opportunity to work within the Not For Profit sector.
• Permanent role based within the South London/Surrey border with a focus on professional growth.
• Collaborative and supportive working environment.

If you meet the criteria and are ready to take on this rewarding opportunity as a Senior Finance Business Partner, we encourage you to apply today!