Finance Business Partner

We are delighted to be partnering with a leading Multi-Academy Trust to recruit a Finance Business Partner to provide financial leadership across a portfolio of academies in the West Midlands. The role offers a salary of £60,000 - £65,000, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and hybrid working.

Our client is a leading Multi-Academy Trust, operating a diverse network of primary and secondary schools. With a strong culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, the organisation places significant emphasis on innovation and professional development.

As Finance Business Partner, you will provide strategic and operational financial support across a number of academies and central functions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading all aspects of financial management, budgeting, forecasting and financial planning across designated academies.
• Partnering with Principals and Senior Leadership Teams to provide financial insight and support strategic decision making.
• Producing management accounts, financial forecasts and budget monitoring reports.
• Ensuring compliance with Trust policies, DfE and ESFA requirements, and the Academy Trust Handbook.
• Monitoring academy budgets and advising stakeholders on financial performance, risks and opportunities.
• Supporting procurement activities and driving best value across services and contracts.
• Leading audit preparation and supporting year-end statutory reporting processes.
• Promoting the effective use of financial systems, automation and process improvements.
• Building strong relationships with academy leaders, operational teams and the central finance team to drive continuous improvement.
• Dotted line support to finance staff within the designated academies.

We are seeking an experienced finance professional with strong technical expertise and excellent stakeholder management skills.

Key requirements include:

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA (CGMA), CIPFA or equivalent qualification, or actively studying towards qualification.
• Minimum three year's experience within financial management, management accounting or finance business partnering.
• Experience working within education, academies, schools, local government or the wider not-for-profit sector.
• Proven experience managing large and complex budgets.
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, reporting, forecasting and compliance.
• Experience producing management accounts and supporting audit processes.
• Excellent communication and business partnering skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex financial information.
• Proficiency in Excel and financial systems.
• Experience of driving process improvements, systems development or organisational change would be advantageous.
• Experience of Sage Intacct would be beneficial but is not essential.

• £60,000 - £65,000 per annum.
• Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of approximately 16%.
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Hybrid working model (3 days onsite / 2 days remote).
• Flexible working arrangements.
• 37 hour working week.
• Reduced hours considered.
• Free parking at all sites.
• Professional development opportunities and study support.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a highly respected education organisation committed to improving outcomes for young people.

EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this permanent vacancy.