Finance Business Partner

Overview

Activate Learning is seeking an experienced Finance Business Partner to provide strategic financial support and insight to leadership teams across the Further Education and Group Services Divisions. This role strengthens the organisation’s financial performance through robust analysis, clear guidance, and alignment with strategic priorities and compliance standards.

You will work closely with senior leaders, producing timely monthly management reports that deliver accurate analysis, highlight performance trends, and identify opportunities for improvement. You will lead the business planning process, assess key financial risks, and ensure budgets and deadlines are consistently achieved. A strong focus on efficiency is essential, including evaluating income-generation opportunities, identifying cost savings, and monitoring performance against targets to support timely corrective action.

You will prepare projections and forecasts aligned with organisational objectives and develop key metrics that drive strategic progress. The role involves supporting managers to strengthen commercial awareness through data analysis and financial modelling. You will also contribute to business cases for investment and capital projects, support year-end statutory accounts, and coordinate with external auditors. A commitment to ongoing professional development is expected to ensure continued impact and effectiveness.

This is a full-time position (37 hours per week), based at either Oxford or Reading Campus.

• Provide strategic financial support and insight to leadership teams across the Further Education and Group Services Divisions.
• Lead the business planning process; assess financial risks; manage budgets and deadlines.
• Deliver timely monthly management reports with accurate analysis and actionable insights; highlight performance trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluate income-generation opportunities, identify cost savings, and monitor performance against targets to enable timely corrective action.
• Prepare projections and forecasts aligned with organisational objectives; develop key metrics to drive strategic progress.
• Support managers to strengthen commercial awareness through data analysis and financial modelling.
• Contribute to business cases for investment and capital projects; support year-end statutory accounts; coordinate with external auditors.
• Commit to ongoing professional development to maintain impact and effectiveness.

• Qualifications
  :
  Minimum AAT qualification or equivalent; CCAB-qualified accountant or must be working towards their professional qualification (CIMA / ACCA or equivalent).
• Experience
  :
  Extensive experience in a similar finance role; experience within the education sector is a plus.
• Skills
  :
  Strong analytical, reporting, and communication skills, with proficiency in financial modelling and data management.
• Mindset
  : A proactive, solution-oriented approach with a commitment to upholding financial compliance standards.

Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning. We value our people and strive for a diverse, open and inclusive environment that supports career goals and development.

• Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards:
  Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments.
• Wellbeing & Resources Groups:
  Resources and tools to support staff wellbeing.
• Company benefits:
  Free eye tests, will writing, and access to a Health Cash Plan for you and your dependents.
• Learning and Development:
  Continuous opportunities for professional growth through our in-house L&D team.
• Pension Schemes:
  Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for AL staff.
• Generous Annual Leave:
  Up to 6 weeks paid leave.
• Flexible Working:
  Hybrid/remote options, term-time patterns, and flexible working where applicable.
• Competitive salaries:
  Incremental progression and a structured pay scale.
• On-Site Facilities:
  Parking, refectories, gym access, and more at campuses.

Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts. We are committed to safeguarding and expect all staff to share this commitment. A DBS check at the appropriate level may be required. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK; we do not sponsor work permits.

We encourage applications from all candidates and are committed to accessibility and reasonable adjustments where needed.