Senior Finance Business Partner. Education & Training

Job Title:

Senior Finance Business Partner

Location:

Secondary School - Derby
Salary: 50,000 - 70,000 dependent on experience
Job Type: Full-time, permanent

Start Date:

As soon as possible

The Senior Finance Business Partner is a qualified and experienced finance professional who will play a key strategic role in supporting the leadership team of a secondary school. The postholder will provide high-quality financial leadership, advice and challenge to ensure the effective use of resources, strong financial governance and long‑term financial sustainability. Working closely with the Director of Finance, senior leaders and operational managers, the Senior Finance Business Partner will help coordinate financial planning, budgeting and forecasting, while ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations and statutory requirements.

The role combines strategic insight with hands‑on financial management and requires excellent communication skills and a collaborative approach.

• Coordinate the annual budget‑setting process, ensuring alignment with the school's improvement priorities and operational plans.
• Coordinate accurate and timely management accounts, forecasts and financial reports for senior leaders and governors.
• Monitor income and expenditure, identifying risks, opportunities and areas for improvement.
• Ensure strong financial controls are in place and that financial procedures are consistently followed.
• Oversee payroll, purchasing, income collection and supplier payments, ensuring accuracy and value for money.
• Lead on procurement and contract management, securing best value and supporting effective supplier relationships.
• Prepare information and documentation for audit and support the completion of statutory and regulatory financial returns.
• Provide financial training and guidance to budget holders and non‑finance colleagues.
• Support governors and finance committees by preparing reports and attending meetings as required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of financial systems, processes and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant education funding and financial regulations and guidance.

• A recognised professional accounting qualification (such as ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Significant experience in a senior or business‑partnering finance role.
• Strong experience of budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to present complex financial information clearly to non‑financial stakeholders.
• Experience of working in, or with, the education sector is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, audit requirements and compliance.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship‑building skills.
• A proactive, solutions‑focused approach with the ability to work both strategically and operationally.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism and attention to detail.

• A senior and influential role within a supportive and forward‑thinking secondary school.
• The opportunity to contribute directly to the school's strategic direction and long‑term sustainability.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• A collaborative working environment with opportunities for professional development.

We are highly experienced recruitment specialists operating in the Education Sector. We work with exceptionally talented candidates whom we place into outstanding opportunities. As an independent agency, we're agile and responsive, ensuring your career goals are met.

If you're a passionate professional looking for your next opportunity, apply today. Interviews and placements are moving quickly. We are currently working with numerous vacancies, so if this position is not quite for you, please do send us your CV to discuss other opportunities more suitable to your requirements.

Clarence Recruitment is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will need an enhanced DBS check in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.