Strategic Finance Partner for Education & Growth

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

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.