At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools with financial management, budgeting, and compliance to ensure sustainability.
- Company: Join a regional multi-academy trust dedicated to high-quality education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in schools while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: CCAB-qualified accountant or relevant experience; strong financial management skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across multiple schools.
The predicted salary is between 42839 - 48226 £ per year.
Salary: £42,839 – £48,226 Dependant on Experience
Contract Length: 12 Months Maternity Cover
Location: Handsworth, Birmingham (Supporting multiple schools across the Birmingham Trust)
About the role
We are seeking a qualified and motivated finance professional to join our Central Finance Team, supporting approximately six schools within the Trust. You will provide high-quality financial management, budgeting, forecasting, compliance support and strategic financial guidance to Headteachers and senior leaders.
Key Responsibilities
- Producing monthly management accounts and completing month-end procedures
- Supporting schools with annual budgets and three-year financial planning
- Monitoring expenditure, payroll and cash flow to ensure financial sustainability
- Ensuring compliance with financial regulations and Trust policies
- Providing financial advice, training and user-friendly management information to non-finance staff
- Supporting procurement, tendering and Trust-wide financial projects
- Assisting with year-end processes and statutory returns
- Monitoring capital expenditure and contracts
About the Trust
We are a regional multi-academy trust committed to delivering high-quality education across a family of primary and secondary schools. Through strong collaboration, shared expertise and centralised professional support, we help schools provide a broad, balanced and inspiring curriculum while retaining their individual character. Our focus is on strong leadership, effective teaching and continuous improvement, ensuring every pupil is supported to succeed and flourish. By working in partnership with school leaders, governors and communities, we drive excellence, build capacity and equip young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to thrive.
Role Requirements
Essential Applicant Requirements
Qualifications & Professional Development
- CCAB-qualified accountant (or working towards qualification) or substantial relevant experience
- Commitment to ongoing professional development
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong knowledge of financial control, reporting and management accounts preparation
- Proven ability to produce budgets, forecasts, cash flow projections and financial reports
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
- Clear and persuasive written and verbal communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships
- Customer-focused approach with a track record of delivering service improvements
- Strong interest in improving systems and processes to support effective financial management
Experience
- Significant financial management experience
- Experience of budgeting and monitoring complex activities
Personal Qualities
- Enthusiastic, motivated and resilient
- Effective team player
- Commitment to equal opportunities
- Willingness to work within the Trust’s Christian ethos
Are you interested? If you are interested in applying for this role, please apply or send your CV to marc.sharpe@connex-education.com or call Marc 0121-456-4040 for more information.
Protected characteristics statement
All offers are conditional upon satisfactory background checks, including a DBS check. All appointments will be made subject to a DBS check. Connex Education Partnership is committed to a policy of equal opportunities. We respect and value cultural and religious diversity and will not discriminate based on age, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, religion, culture, marital status or disability. Everyone is assessed on merit alone. Connex Education Partnership is an employment agency and employment business. Connex Education Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and candidates to share this commitment. We adhere to Safer Recruitment practices in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, and other relevant legislation. All appointments are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check.
School Finance Partner in Birmingham employer: Connex - Birmingham
Contact Detail:
Connex - Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Finance Partner in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and finance sectors. Attend local events or webinars where you can meet people who might know about opportunities at schools or trusts. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust and its schools. Understand their financial challenges and think about how your skills can help them. Tailor your answers to show you’re not just a finance whiz but also someone who gets the education sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a School Finance Partner, you’ll need to explain complex financial concepts to non-finance staff. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with simplifying your language.
✨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 platform. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace School Finance Partner in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the School Finance Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial management, budgeting, and compliance support. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about supporting schools and how your background makes you a great fit for our Central Finance Team. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities. We love candidates who can demonstrate their customer-focused approach and effective communication skills!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connex - Birmingham
✨Know Your Numbers
As a School Finance Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on key financial concepts like budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these skills in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll be working closely with Headteachers and senior leaders, so it's crucial to convey complex financial information clearly. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated financial advice to non-finance staff in the past.
✨Understand the Trust's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with the Trust's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal qualities align with their commitment to equal opportunities and supporting students' success. This shows you're not just a numbers person but also a team player.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage competing priorities or improve financial systems. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.