At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis across schools and business units.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in the education sector focused on financial sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, health plans, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial governance and support educational success.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong finance experience and analytical skills.
- Other info: Hybrid working available, with opportunities for professional growth.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Senior Finance Business Partner to support financial planning, budgeting and management reporting across multiple education settings, contributing to strong governance, value for money and long-term financial sustainability.
If you’ve also worked in the following roles, we’d also like to hear from you: Finance Business Partner, Management Accountant, Financial Accountant, Finance Manager.
SALARY: £38,220 to £40,777 FTE (Grade 8) + Benefits
LOCATION: Hybrid working available. Minimum 2 days per week in the office in Keynsham, Somerset, South West England
TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent
WORKING HOURS: 37 Hours per Week, Monday to Friday
JOB OVERVIEW
We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Senior Finance Business Partner to play a key role in supporting effective financial management across a portfolio of schools and business units. As a Senior Finance Business Partner you will lead on budgeting, forecasting, management accounts and financial analysis, working closely with senior leaders to provide insight, challenge and assurance. This Senior Finance Business Partner role offers the opportunity to contribute to statutory accounts, payroll reconciliations and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring compliance, value for money and strong financial controls.
DUTIES
- Budgeting and Forecasting: Producing three-year budget forecasts and financial plans
- Management Accounts: Delivering monthly management accounts and variance analysis
- Stakeholder Support: Building strong relationships with senior leaders and budget holders
- Financial Assurance: Providing performance reporting and risk insight to senior finance leaders
- Statutory Accounts: Supporting year-end processes including accruals, prepayments and reconciliations
- Payroll Reconciliations: Completing monthly payroll checks and resolving discrepancies
- Financial Analysis: Providing ad-hoc analysis to support procurement and business initiatives
- Compliance and Governance: Ensuring adherence to financial procedures, controls and policies
- Continuous Improvement: Identifying efficiencies, savings opportunities and best practice
- Team Support: Providing cover and support to finance colleagues as required
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
ESSENTIAL
- Qualified accountant or equivalent professional experience
- Previous experience working in a finance or accounting environment
- Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting and management accounts
- Experience of financial controls, procedures and compliance
- Excellent numerical, analytical and communication skills
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
- Proficiency in Excel and financial accounting systems
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection requirements
DESIRABLE
- Experience within an education, academy or public sector setting
- Experience of supporting senior leaders with financial decision-making
- Experience of benchmarking and value for money analysis
- Experience working with external auditors or professional advisors
BENEFITS
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Health cash plan covering everyday healthcare costs
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Retail discounts and wellbeing support
This role requires an Enhanced DBS check.
APPLY TODAY
By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.
Senior Finance Business Partner in Bristol employer: AWD online
Contact Detail:
AWD online Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in education or public sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and understanding the specific challenges faced by schools and educational institutions. We want you to show that you’re not just a numbers person, but someone who can contribute to their long-term financial sustainability.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Business Partner in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your budgeting, forecasting, and management accounts experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Relevant Experience: If you've worked in finance roles like Finance Business Partner or Management Accountant, make sure to detail those experiences. We want to see how you've contributed to financial planning and governance in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at AWD online
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in budgeting and forecasting. Brush up on your financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in the past. Prepare specific examples that showcase your analytical skills and how they contributed to financial sustainability.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
This role involves working closely with senior leaders and budget holders. Before the interview, think about how you can establish strong relationships. Be prepared to share experiences where you've effectively communicated financial insights and influenced decision-making. Show them you can be a trusted partner in their financial journey.
✨Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge
Understanding financial controls and compliance is crucial for this position. Familiarise yourself with relevant regulations and best practices in financial governance. During the interview, highlight your experience with statutory accounts and how you've ensured adherence to financial procedures in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
The job calls for identifying efficiencies and savings opportunities. Think of examples where you've implemented improvements in financial processes or reporting. Be ready to discuss how these initiatives not only saved money but also enhanced overall financial performance. This will show your proactive approach to financial management.