Senior Finance Business Partner

This permanent full-time post sits in the central team of Forward Education Trust, a multi-academy trust running six special schools. The role leads the Trust's management accounts, budgeting, forecasting and medium-term planning, and oversees year-end preparation and statutory returns. Working with headteachers, senior leaders and Trustees, the post carries partnering duties around a complex funding environment, with hybrid working of up to two days a week from home.

Visa sponsorship is not available.

• Lead preparation and delivery of monthly management accounts across the Trust
• Support budgeting, forecasting and medium-term financial planning
• Provide strategic financial analysis, modelling and business partnering to school and Trust leaders
• Lead year-end preparation and statutory financial returns
• Support external audit activity
• Oversee payroll reconciliations and key balance sheet controls
• Drive development and implementation of financial systems, controls and reporting across schools and central teams
• Provide information and assurance to the Director of Finance & Operations and the CEO as Accounting Officer
• Oversee outsourced finance support, including quality assurance and process improvement
• Ensure compliance with academy, charity and financial regulations
• Contribute to Trust-wide strategic planning, growth and development initiatives
• Work with school leaders and Central Office to ensure funding is identified, secured and managed

• Recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)

• Significant experience in management accounting, budgeting and forecasting
• Experience of year-end accounts preparation and working with auditors

• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex financial information
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills
• Confidence to provide support, challenge and advice to senior leaders
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Proactive approach to continuous improvement and problem solving

• Experience with in an education, academy trust or charity setting

• Competitive salary
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative leadership teamli>
• Paid-for Trust Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme