At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and support strategic decision-making in education.
- Company: Forward-thinking multi-academy trust focused on improving lives through education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, and strong professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative finance team in a values-led organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while shaping financial strategies.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified or qualified accountant with strong management accounting experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
A forward-thinking multi-academy trust is seeking a Regional Finance Business Partner to support two secondary academies in Derby and Sheffield. This is more than a finance role—it's an opportunity to influence strategic decision-making, drive financial sustainability, and directly impact outcomes for young people. You'll work closely with Headteachers and senior leaders, acting as a trusted advisor and ensuring financial resources are used effectively to support school improvement.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead 3-year financial planning, budgeting and forecasting
- Produce and review monthly management accounts, identifying trends and variances
- Provide clear financial insight and challenge to senior stakeholders
- Monitor income, expenditure and cash flow, ensuring financial sustainability
- Oversee payroll reconciliation, staffing cost modelling and budget alignment
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations, audit requirements and Trust policies
- Support procurement and contract management, ensuring value for money
- Work closely with Headteachers to align financial plans with school improvement priorities
- Lead financial reporting including year-end processes, VAT returns and statutory submissions
- Coach and support academy-based finance staff, driving consistency and best practice
About You
- Part-qualified or qualified accountant (ACCA / CIMA / ACA or equivalent)
- Strong experience in management accounting and financial business partnering
- Confident working in a multi-site or complex organisation (education experience beneficial)
- Able to translate financial data into clear, actionable insight
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and challenge
- Highly organised, able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Proactive, solutions-focused and driven to improve processes and outcomes
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to play a key strategic role across multiple academies
- Work in a values-led organisation focused on improving lives through education
- Be part of a collaborative, supportive and forward-thinking finance team
- Access to strong professional development and career progression opportunities
- Competitive salary and excellent public sector pension
- Comprehensive wellbeing and benefits package
The Impact
This role offers the chance to go beyond traditional finance—you'll help shape decisions that directly affect students, staff and communities. If you're looking for a role where your financial expertise has real purpose and visible impact, this is a fantastic opportunity.
Regional Finance Business Partner employer: Baseline Recruit Ltd
Join a forward-thinking multi-academy trust that values collaboration and innovation in education. As a Regional Finance Business Partner, you'll not only enjoy a competitive salary and excellent public sector pension but also have access to strong professional development opportunities within a supportive finance team. This role allows you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and communities in Derby and Sheffield, making it an exceptional place to grow your career while contributing to educational improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Finance Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those connected to finance roles. Attend local events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself—this could lead to some great opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the academies you'll be working with. Understand their financial challenges and think about how you can help them improve. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to make a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the role of Regional Finance Business Partner. Highlight your experience in management accounting and how you can influence strategic decisions—make it clear you’re the right fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Regional Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your management accounting experience and any work you've done in education or multi-site organisations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about making a difference in education. Share specific examples of how you've influenced financial decision-making in previous roles, and how you can bring that expertise to our academies.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to work with senior leaders and Headteachers. We want to see how you've successfully influenced and challenged stakeholders in the past, so don’t hold back on those examples!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this impactful role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Baseline Recruit Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you’re well-versed in financial concepts relevant to the role. Brush up on budgeting, forecasting, and management accounts. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the financial landscape of education.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with the challenges and opportunities within the education sector, especially in multi-academy trusts. This knowledge will help you connect your financial expertise to the specific needs of the academies you'll be supporting.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about how you can effectively communicate financial insights to non-financial stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've influenced decision-making in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your ability to act as a trusted advisor.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've tackled financial challenges in the past. Highlight your proactive approach and any processes you've improved. This will illustrate your solutions-focused mindset, which is crucial for driving financial sustainability.
