Operational Finance Business Partner

Horizon Care & Education is a leading provider of care and education services, dedicated to delivering high-quality support and learning for children and young people with additional needs. We pride ourselves on our values of compassion, excellence, integrity, and collaboration.

We’re seeking a finance professional who shares this passion to join our team and help shape financial strategy across operations.

The Operational Finance Business Partner will play a pivotal role in supporting Horizon’s operational leadership by:

Acting as a trusted finance partner to operational/divisional heads, helping them understand financial performance, risks, and opportunities.

Leading monthly management accounts, forecasts, variance analysis, and ensuring timely, accurate, actionable financial reporting.

Supporting budgeting, annual business planning and long‑term financial modelling.

Identifying cost drivers and efficiencies, suggesting process improvements and investment priorities.

Participating in or supporting business case preparation for new initiatives, service expansions, or projects.

Monitoring performance KPIs across operations and advising on financial implications of operational decisions.

Ensuring compliance with financial policies, regulatory requirements, and internal controls.

Collaborating closely with non‑finance teams to build financial literacy and drive value‑adding behaviours.

Essential Qualifications &

Experience:

Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or equivalent), or part‑qualified with strong relevant experience.

Solid experience in financial business partnering, ideally in care / education / social care or similar sectors.

Track record of preparing management accounts, budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses.

Strong analytical skills; ability to turn financial data into insights for decision making.

Excellent communication skills: able to explain complex financial information in non‑technical terms.

Strong Excel / financial systems skills.

Experience with multiple cost centres / multi‑site operations.

Understanding of regulatory / funding landscape in care & education.

Prior experience in business case development.

Exposure to project finance, cost modelling.

Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced and changing environment.

Competitive salary / remuneration package – commensurate with skills and experience.

Hybrid working options

A supportive and mission‑driven culture, making a real difference in the lives of children and young people.