Finance Business Partner in England

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 is key to strengthening 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.

What do you need to be a Finance Business Partner at Activate Learning?

The position requires an experienced finance professional to support strategic financial goals through detailed reporting, analysis, and collaboration with leadership. This role includes financial planning, budget management, and performance monitoring, ensuring adherence to deadlines and accuracy. A strong focus on fostering commercial awareness and continuous improvement is essential, alongside preparing business cases, and working closely with external auditors.

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.

Who we are

Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning. We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.

When you work for Activate Learning, you're working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone. Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits:

• Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award‑winning Learning Philosophy.
• Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing.
• Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
• Learning and Development: Continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in‑house L&D team.
• Teaching Support: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.
• Pension Schemes: Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for AL staff.
• Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave.
• Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.
• On‑Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.

For a comprehensive list of all of our benefits please visit our work‑with‑us/employee‑benefits.

Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity; closed vacancies will prevent application form submission. Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts.

Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions. Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK, we do not sponsor work permits. Work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK. Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.

Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning, have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.