Finance Business Partner in Bristol

The Lighthouse Schools Partnership is looking for a dynamic and motivated individual to join our Finance Team as a School Finance Business Partner with effect from 1st September 2026. You will play a pivotal role in delivering a high-quality financial support service to schools, including the delivery of a service level agreement to manage schools’ high-level financial functions. You will work in close partnership with Headteachers, Governors and school finance staff to provide support, guidance and challenge on financial planning, accountability and budget appropriateness. As a vital member of our support team, you will assist in delivering comprehensive business operations whilst also undertaking strategic, data-driven duties. This unique role involves preparing multi‑year budgets, managing complex financial forecasting and building strong, effective working relationships across our Trust schools.

If you are a resilient, enthusiastic individual with a strong focus on continuous service improvement and a commitment to the deliverability of quality education, we would love to hear from you.

• Act as the lead point of contact for Budget Holders, Headteachers and Local Governing Boards to provide strategic financial functions, advice and support.
• Provide support and challenge to Headteachers, Governors and other stakeholders on financial planning, accountability and budget appropriateness.
• Prepare and analyse multi‑year budgets, ensuring that the financial information produced is as accurate as possible and consistent across the Trust.
• Undertake financial forecasting for the financial year and investigate any variances to ensure school business operations run effectively.
• Complete crucial monthly, annual and ad hoc reconciliations and checks, including payroll reviews, finance checklists and fixed asset registers.
• Monitor income and expenditure for specific and earmarked funds, such as PE grants, SEND, pupil premium and wrap‑around care.
• Prepare and present clear financial information, scenarios and costings to school leadership and Trustees, including during periods of change management.
• Provide tailored support, guidance and training on financial systems and processes for staff in schools joining the Trust to ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook.

• A fabulous working environment with children who really want to learn.
• A friendly and successful school.
• A growing school with dedicated and hard‑working staff.
• A positive learning environment.
• Supportive staff, governors, parents and community.
• Collaborative working within our Trust community to support our endeavours to work smarter.
• Excellent CPD opportunities.
• Access to wellbeing support.
• 24-hour confidential helpline and counselling.
• Healthcare cash plan.
• Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle Scheme.
• Discount retail platform with access to hundreds of discounts.

The Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP) is a Multi‑Academy Trust which has experienced rapid growth since it started in 2016. There are currently 30 schools in the Trust. The Lighthouse Schools Partnership is cross‑phase and includes Infant, Junior, Primary and Secondary schools. The Trust is a mixed MAT and includes both non‑denominational and Church of England schools.

The Lighthouse Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all in its community to share this commitment. Suitability to work with children and young people will form part of the selection process. As part of the shortlisting process an online search will be carried out. All appointments will be subject to vetting, including an enhanced DBS check. A copy of our Safeguarding Policy can be found on the Trust website. We are also committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups.