Finance Business Partner

Finance Business Partner

Oldham Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team as a Finance Business Partner, managing financial operations across our academies.
  • Company: The Harmony Trust is dedicated to providing excellent primary education in a supportive environment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development, and a commitment to your career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working with a friendly and supportive team.
  • Qualifications: AAT Level 4 or equivalent, ideally CCAB qualified, with 3 years' finance experience.
  • Other info: Casual car user allowance provided; travel between sites required.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

Finance Business Partner

36.66 hours per week

Full Year

Grade 8 – SCP 32-36 (£41 511 – £45 718 per annum)

Our Vision and Values

The Harmony Trust has the highest aspirations for its pupils, parents and staff members. Our vision is to provide an excellent primary education so that every academy is a \’GreatPlace2Learn.\’ Our aim is to ensure that children at our academies enjoy the best education from the early years to the end of the primary stage. Parents are very important to achieving this vision and we aim to work in partnership with them to ensure that all our children achieve our motto: \’Believe Achieve Succeed\’. We believe that school should be a place where every child makes progress in a safe and supportive environment. We believe in the importance of children developing well-being and high self-esteem if they are to learn and do well.

We also believe in The Harmony Trust being a \’GreatPlace2Work\’ where staff are supported to thrive by a trust that is committed to learning and education. We have a great team of people working in our Academies. We aim to retain them by investing in professional development, offering opportunities to work across the Trust ensuring Harmony is a great place to work.

Employment Opportunity:

The Board of Trustees wish to appoint an enthusiastic Finance Business Partner. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to become part of the Trust central team. The post holder will be based in our North-West Trust office and will be expected to travel between sites to the Trust\’s portfolio of academies, for which a casual car user allowance will be paid.

The Harmony Trust was established in February 2014 and currently has 17 primary academies across the North-West and East Midlands. The Trust continues to grow which brings with it exciting opportunities for career progression and development for existing and future employees.

The successful candidate will:

  • AAT Level 4 Diploma in Accounting or equivalent
  • Ideally CCAB qualified or equivalent
  • A minimum of 3 years\’ experience working within a busy finance department ideally in the Education Sector
  • Have working knowledge of financial regulations/relevant policies/codes of practice and awareness of legislation relating to MATs and their academies.
  • Experienced in the production of management accounts
  • Have knowledge of the requirements of the ESFA Academies Trust Handbook and Annual Accounts Direction.
  • Have excellent knowledge of financial management systems, spreadsheets and databases.

We can offer you:

  • The opportunity to be part of our team, who are committed to educational excellence
  • Friendly and supportive staff, parents and trustees
  • A commitment to high quality professional development
  • Opportunity for future career development & progression within the Trust\’s portfolio of academies and most importantly the chance to transform the lives of children and really make a difference
  • Membership of the LGPS

The Harmony Trust operates a hybrid working model. For some roles, there is a requirement to work on site a minimum of 3 days per week (two of which will be on identified days) working alongside other members of the Finance team to support development and develop collaborative ways of working, with the opportunity to work from home two days per week. Where the job role supports academies, one day is to be based within an Academy to support leaders with financial management and to further collaborate across the business administration and finance function.

Should you wish to have an informal chat about any of the opportunities we have available, please contact: Sharon Costello (Chief Financial Officer) via scostello01@theharmonytrust.org

Interview date: week commencing 1st September 2025

The Harmony Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all our staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS and pre-employment checks.

Full details of the Trust\’s recruitment and selection processes can be found in our Safer Recruitment policy: Safer Recruitment Policy

For full details and to apply online, please visit the Harmony Trust website – Job search

  • Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
  • Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

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Finance Business Partner employer: Greater.jobs

The Harmony Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to professional development and career progression, employees are empowered to thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children across the North-West. The Trust's hybrid working model and emphasis on teamwork ensure that every member feels valued and engaged in their role.
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Contact Detail:

Greater.jobs Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and policies relevant to Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs). Understanding these will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the education sector.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals already working in finance roles within educational settings. This can provide you with insights into the role of a Finance Business Partner and may even lead to valuable referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with management accounts and financial management systems during the interview. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed finances in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Research The Harmony Trust's vision and values thoroughly. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs can set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner

AAT Level 4 Diploma in Accounting or equivalent
CCAB qualified or equivalent
Minimum of 3 years' experience in a finance department
Knowledge of financial regulations and relevant policies
Experience in the education sector
Production of management accounts
Understanding of ESFA Academies Trust Handbook
Proficiency in financial management systems
Advanced spreadsheet skills
Database management skills
Strong analytical skills
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively
Adaptability to hybrid working model
Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Finance Business Partner position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, such as AAT Level 4 or CCAB qualification, and tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in finance, particularly within the education sector. Mention specific examples of your work with management accounts and financial regulations that align with the requirements outlined by The Harmony Trust.

Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to showcase your skills in financial management systems, spreadsheets, and databases. Provide concrete examples of how you have used these tools effectively in previous roles to demonstrate your capability for the position.

Personalise Your Application: When writing your cover letter, personalise it by expressing your enthusiasm for The Harmony Trust's vision and values. Explain why you want to be part of their team and how you can contribute to their mission of providing excellent primary education.

How to prepare for a job interview at Greater.jobs

✨Understand the Trust's Vision

Familiarise yourself with The Harmony Trust's vision and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with their commitment to providing an excellent education and supporting children's well-being.

✨Showcase Relevant Experience

Highlight your experience in finance, particularly within the education sector. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've managed financial regulations and produced management accounts in previous roles.

✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Financial Policies

Brush up on the ESFA Academies Trust Handbook and relevant financial legislation. During the interview, demonstrate your understanding of these policies and how they apply to the role of a Finance Business Partner.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively. Think of examples where you've successfully navigated challenges in finance and how you can apply those experiences to support the Trust's academies.

Finance Business Partner
Greater.jobs
Location: Oldham
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