Senior Finance Business Partner

A leading Multi-Academy Trust comprised of 11 primary and secondary schools in the East Midlands is seeking a minimum of 2 Senior Finance Business Partners for full-time, permanent roles.

With a salary of £55,000 per annum plus an excellent local government pension scheme, the roles will be largely onsite at the Trust’s Head Office in Kettering and onsite at the schools – either in Kettering, Corby or Wisbech.

The roles will involve producing management accounts and genuine strategic finance business partnering to a range of budget holders in schools – headteachers, senior leadership team members, catering and IT Managers etc. There may also be some budgeting and analysis at central Trust level in addition to working with the schools.

The role also involves costing and cost analysis, interpreting complex financial data, journal postings and assisting with year-end close.

Being a qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA, ACCA) is an essential criteria for these roles. Prior experience within a Multi-Academy Trust or from within the Education sector would be advantageous. Experience working with facilities, catering or IT budgets and departments would also be of interest – but not essential.

The roles are responsible for enhancing strategic financial analysis and insight to enable the understanding, of financial reporting on Trust performance to key stakeholders, including the Trust Executive Team, Heads of Professions and school leadership teams. The roles will ensure the efficient and effective allocation of resource, integrating finance and curriculum planning, allocating and managing finance in line with ESFA and academy handbook financial requirements.

The positions report to the Head of Finance Business Partnering and do not line manage anyone.

Duties will include:

-Develop excellent working relationships with key stakeholders across the Trust, ensuring KPIS, professional strategic financial advice and guidance is provided and applied effectively

-Ensure monthly reporting is accurate, fit for purpose and facilitates effective decision making at school and Trust level in conjunction with the requirements of the CFO and best practice

-Provide analysis and insight, linking financial reports to School and Trust strategies

-Provide ongoing higher-level support and guidance on financial matters to relevant stakeholders

-Support and advise budget holders on the development and submission of business cases as and when required, maximising the link and priority of good financial stewardship and front-line education delivery

-To undertake project- based work for specific projects and programmes

-Provide quality information as required for external bodies for example to the ESFA or the external auditors

-To undertake any other duties, commensurate with the level of the post, as may be required from time to time.

Candidate requirements:

-Fully-qualified CIMA / ACCA / ACA accountant essential

-Demonstrable experience in a similar Senior/Strategic Finance Business Partnering role – ideally dealing with multiple cost-centres and a diverse range of budget holders

-The ability to be hands-on and produce management accounts, journal entries etc

-Experience with costing / cost analysis

-Creative and pragmatic problem solver with the ability to interpret and present back on complex financial data

-The ability to work onsite at the Trust’s Head Office in Kettering on a Wednesday, and spend the rest of the week onsite at the allocated schools in Kettering, Corby or Wisbech (it may be possible to work from home 1 day per week)

-An interest in the Education sector is highly desirable

Closing date: Ongoing / ASAP

The roles represent a chance to join a fantastic Trust, in a busy-faced paced environment and to work alongside some high calibre finance professionals.

Please send your CV for further consideration.