At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial excellence to support outstanding education for every child.
- Company: Join Lift Schools, a leading multi-academy trust focused on educational impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, wellbeing cash plan, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance business partnering and strong financial planning skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
Salary: £65,000-£70,000 per annum (dependent on experience and location) + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Hours: 37 hours per week, Hybrid working arrangement with three days per week in the office and two days per week working from home.
Contract: Permanent
Location: EdCity, 1 EdCity Walk, London W12 7TF or Northern Regional Office, Ormesby Road, Middlesbrough TS3 8RE with occasional travel to EdCity.
Drive financial excellence that enables every child to receive an outstanding education. We are seeking an exceptional and commercially minded Central Finance Business Partner to play a pivotal role in supporting Lift Schools’ central services and wider organisational growth. This is a high‑profile role that sits at the heart of our finance function, partnering with senior leaders, budget holders and executive colleagues to ensure our resources are used effectively, sustainably and in line with our mission. You will provide strategic financial insight, challenge and support across central services while helping to shape the future financial sustainability of one of the country’s leading multi‑academy trusts.
Working closely with the Group Planning and Reporting Manager, Regional Finance Business Partners and the wider finance leadership team, you will drive robust financial planning, strengthen financial controls, support income diversification and ensure value for money across our central operations. This is a unique opportunity to influence decision‑making at scale, helping us deliver excellent education to more than 34,000 pupils across our national network of schools.
You will bring:
- Experience in finance business partnering, management accounting or a similar role.
- Strong financial planning, budgeting and forecasting skills.
- The ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insight.
- Confidence in building relationships, influencing stakeholders and providing constructive challenge.
- A proactive approach, strong attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement.
In this role, you will:
- Partner with central service leaders to support effective decision‑making and long‑term financial sustainability.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting across our central services.
- Identify financial risks, opportunities, and efficiencies to help maximise value for money.
- Support the growth of commercial and diversified income streams.
- Contribute to the development of financial systems, processes and controls across the trust.
We offer you:
- Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we’ve got you covered.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
- Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work‑life balance with two days a week working from home, 33 days of annual leave, and the freedom to work remotely outside of term time.
Equal Opportunity: Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part‑time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. Lift Schools is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment.
Closing date: 8th July 2026
Central Finance Business Partner employer: Academies Enterprise Trust
Lift Schools is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, where employees are empowered to drive financial excellence in education. With comprehensive training opportunities, generous benefits including a wellbeing cash plan and flexible working arrangements, we prioritise the growth and wellbeing of our team members. Located in vibrant London or Middlesbrough, our culture promotes collaboration and innovation, making it a rewarding place to contribute to the future of education for over 34,000 pupils.
Contact Details:
Academies Enterprise Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Central Finance Business Partner
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Academies Enterprise Trust. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Central Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Academies Enterprise Trust.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Academies Enterprise Trust's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Academies Enterprise Trust
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Academies Enterprise Trust.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Academies Enterprise Trust will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Academies Enterprise Trust employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
