At a Glance
- Tasks: Support budget holders with high-quality financial insights and manage month-end accounts.
- Company: Dynamic finance team in a leading educational organisation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, flexitime, 27 days annual leave, and remote work options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while enjoying flexibility and work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified or newly qualified Accountant with strong numerical skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
About The Role
Reports to: Financial Planning Manager
Location: West London (flexible working available)
Contract: Permanent, Full time
First round interviews will take place w/c 08 June 2026, with second round w/c 15 June 2026.
We're seeking a Finance Business Partner, who will be resilient, flexible, and able to operate in a busy environment, as well as excellent at managing competing demands and priorities. You will take the lead supporting budget holders with high-quality management information, supporting with budgeting and forecasting.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide efficient Finance Business Partnering support to various programme teams to facilitate timely recognition of planned Income and Expenditure.
- Lead on month-end management accounts for the departments in Ark Schools under your remit, including posting balance sheet adjustments and producing commentary alongside reporting.
- Effectively communicate monthly finances for your specified departments with the Financial Planning Manager and Head of Central Finance.
- Support budget holders and the Financial Planning Manager with the reforecast and budgeting processes.
- Work with the Fundraising team to support the Financial Planning Manager in reporting on Network reserves and external donations ringfenced to programmes.
Knowledge & Skills:
- An understanding of budgeting and forecasting and why it's important.
- Experience of producing and presenting finance reports, with excellent numerical and financial skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively and explain finance to non-finance professionals.
- Meticulous attention to detail and capable of meeting strict deadlines.
Qualification Criteria:
- Part-qualified or newly qualified Accountant / 1-2 years PQE.
- Educated to Degree Level.
- Right to work in the U.K.
Benefits:
Our hybrid working model aims to offer the best of both worlds, striking the right balance between in-person collaboration and remote working. You will work a minimum of two days per week in our state-of-the-art office in West London allowing you to connect with colleagues, with the flexibility to work remotely, or in the office over the remaining days. In addition to our current hybrid working arrangements, employees can request to work fully remotely for up to 10 working days a year, whether this be in the UK or abroad. Our flexitime policy allows you to work your hours around our core hours of 10.00 - 16.00, helping you prioritise your work-life balance and personal commitments. 27 days annual leave plus.
Finance Business Partner employer: ARK
As a Finance Business Partner at our West London office, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment that values resilience and flexibility. We offer a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside generous annual leave and opportunities for professional growth, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the company or in similar roles on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for Finance Business Partners and practice your answers. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your responses – it really helps showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your personality! During interviews, let your passion for finance shine through. Remember, they’re not just looking for qualifications; they want someone who fits into their team culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining a fantastic team that values flexibility and collaboration.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your budgeting and forecasting experience, and don’t forget to showcase your ability to communicate financial info to non-finance folks. We want to see how you fit into our busy environment!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for us at StudySmarter. Mention specific experiences that relate to the key responsibilities in the job description, and show us your passion for finance.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, make sure to highlight your numerical and financial skills. We love detail-oriented candidates, so if you've got experience with month-end management accounts or producing finance reports, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ARK
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of budgeting and forecasting. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. This will show that you can provide high-quality management information.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll be working with non-finance professionals, so practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. During the interview, think about how you can convey your experience in a way that’s relatable and easy to understand for everyone involved.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
The role requires resilience and the ability to manage competing demands. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated busy environments or tight deadlines. This will highlight your adaptability and problem-solving skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-life situations, such as managing month-end accounts or supporting budget holders. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, demonstrating your analytical skills and attention to detail.
