At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic financial advice and support budget management for schools.
- Company: Join Ambition Community Trust, a growing Academy Trust focused on people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension scheme, free parking, and professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while shaping a positive workplace culture.
- Qualifications: AAT Level 4 or equivalent; experience in budgeting and financial reporting.
The predicted salary is between 37280 - 40777 £ per year.
Opportunity to be part of a Finance Team in a growing Academy Trust.
Grade 7 Salary band £37,280 - £40,777 FTE. Permanent, full time 35 hours per week.
Membership of Local Government Pension Scheme, offering generous employer contributions. Free onsite parking. Manchester based, with travel across Greater Manchester to engage directly with schools and partners.
Join a Trust Where People Matter. Ambition Community Trust is seeking an experienced and proactive Finance Business Partner to join our growing central team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering a high-quality finance service across our schools.
Working closely with Headteachers and senior leaders, you will provide expert financial advice and practical support including budget setting, payroll and management reporting ensuring statutory compliance and value for money. At Ambition Community Trust, relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We believe schools flourish when kindness, inclusion, and collaboration are embedded in everyday practice. As a Finance Business Partner, you will help shape a positive workplace culture that reflects our values and supports excellent outcomes for children and young people.
About the Role
- Partner with Headteachers and senior leaders to provide strategic financial advice and support effective budget management.
- Lead annual budget setting, financial forecasting, scenario planning, and medium-term financial planning.
- Produce and analyse monthly management accounts, financial reports, and budget monitoring information.
- Monitor financial performance, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend corrective actions.
- Oversee payroll processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, reconciliations, and timely resolution of discrepancies.
- Maintain strong financial controls by reviewing purchase orders, BACS payments, bank reconciliations, cash flow, and audit requirements.
- Manage funding allocations, grants, income collection, debt recovery, and liaison with local authorities on funding matters.
- Ensure accurate financial records, journals, and data are maintained while supporting improvements to finance systems and processes.
- Support, mentor, and develop finance colleagues while contributing to Trust-wide projects and continuous service improvement.
- Ensure compliance with the Trust's Financial Regulations, the Academy Trust Handbook, statutory requirements, data protection, and organisational policies.
About You
- Qualifications: AAT Level 4 (or equivalent) with GCSE English and Maths; part-qualified or qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or ACA) desirable.
- Finance Expertise: Significant experience in budgeting, management accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, payroll, and financial systems.
- Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of financial controls, governance, forecasting, budgeting, payroll processes, and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Communication & Stakeholder Management: Ability to present complex financial information clearly, build effective relationships, and influence non-financial stakeholders.
- Professional Skills: Excellent analytical, organisational, problem-solving, and time management skills, with high accuracy and attention to detail.
- Personal Attributes: Demonstrates integrity, discretion, adaptability, commitment to continuous improvement, safeguarding, and the Trust's values, with the flexibility to travel between sites.
Why Join Ambition Community Trust?
Ambition Community Trust is committed to creating environments where both children and adults can flourish. We value compassion, collaboration, equity, and excellence, and we are proud to foster a culture where colleagues feel genuinely supported and empowered. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a growing and ambitious Trust that values its people and invests in professional development.
Safeguarding Statement
Ambition Community Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory pre-employment clearances.
Equal Opportunities Employer
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer, and we positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Finance Business Partner in Manchester employer: Ambition Community Trust
Ambition Community Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. With a strong commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture, employees benefit from generous pension contributions, free onsite parking, and opportunities for career development within a collaborative environment. Located in Manchester, this role as a Finance Business Partner allows you to make a meaningful impact across schools while working closely with dedicated leaders who share a passion for excellence in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner in Manchester
✨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 Ambition Community 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 Finance Business Partner in Manchester
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 Ambition Community 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 Ambition Community 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 Ambition Community 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 Ambition Community 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 Ambition Community 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 Ambition Community 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.
