Finance Business Partner

Job Details
As a member of the College Management Team, the Finance Business Partner will report to the Chief Finance Officer (CFO).
This role is responsible for managing the Finance business support function, including budget forecasts and planning, payroll management, monthly reconciliations, and budget control, ensuring efficient and effective resource deployment.
The Finance Business Partner will maintain extensive contact with both internal and external customers, providing effective leadership and management, and leading financial support for all college budget managers.
Additionally, the role supports the CFO in strategic leadership and planning to ensure USP College delivers its financial plan and maintains strong financial health.
Duties & Responsibilities

• Financial Strategy and Analysis: Develop and implement the college\’s financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis aligned with strategic goals.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Prepare annual and periodic budgets and forecasts and develop financial plans.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with college Curriculum and Business Support departments to understand their needs and ensure financial strategies align with college objectives.
• Financial Stability and Compliance: Ensure legal compliance, financial solvency, and risk management through robust controls and alignment with audit and funding standards.
• Team Leadership: Line manage the Payroll Officer and collaborate with the Finance Manager and Finance Team in preparing monthly management accounts and annual year-end processes.
• Process Improvement: Continuously review and enhance financial procedures and internal control processes for greater efficiency and accuracy.
• Strategic Participation : Actively contribute to the College Management Team and support strategic projects including capital investments and procurement initiatives.
• Communication & Training : Clearly communicate financial information to diverse audiences and provide training to non-finance staff.
• Reporting & Analysis : Conduct in-depth financial analysis, prepare management reports, and offer data-driven recommendations.
• Service Delivery : Deliver high-quality, customer-focused financial services across campuses, ensuring accessibility and responsiveness.
• External Relationships : Maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders including auditors, banks, regulators, and contractors.
• Flexibility & Professionalism : Demonstrate adaptability, professionalism, and effective time management in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment.

Job Requirements:
Essential:

• Part Qualified/Studier or qualified by experience
• Knowledge and experience of payroll and payroll systems
• Proficiency in financial software and systems
• Experience of working successfully with external stakeholders and partners
• A solid understanding of financial concepts, accounting principles, and budgeting processes

Desirable:

• Educated to degree level and ACA/ICAEW/ICAS or Relevant post-graduate qualification
• Experience gained from FE, ideally from a grade 2 college
• Knowledge of funding in the FE sector
• Experience of change management, restructures, mergers and acquisition

The right candidate will have:

• High standards of communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and communication skills with the ability to present clear, fact-based analysis
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding leadership strategy and demonstrable leadership skills
• Commitment to educational values
• Ability to work flexibly to meet changing needs
• Ability to work effectively as a team member
• High level of personal integrity and confidentiality
• Commitment to equality of opportunity
• Appropriate professional appearance
• Ability to work at an accelerated pace and implement change
• Ability to multitask and remain motivated in a high-pressure environment

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