At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and empower decision-making across our schools.
- Company: Join Creative Education Trust, a leader in educational finance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and impactful work.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and making a real difference in communities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education through strategic financial leadership.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial leadership and team management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70089 £ per year.
Drive financial strategy. Enable better outcomes. Join Creative Education Trust as our Head of Finance Business Partnering and work at the heart of decision‑making - leading financial planning, analysis, and business partnering across our schools while supporting the Chief Financial Officer to shape the Trust’s future.
About You
Creative Education Trust is seeking an exceptional Head of Finance Business Partnering to lead the delivery and continuous development of a high‑quality, insight‑driven finance function across the Trust. In this pivotal role, you will work in close partnership with the Chief Financial Officer to shape and deliver financial strategy - leading on management accounts, financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and the evolution of Integrated Curriculum and Financial Planning (ICFP). With a clear focus on enabling the Trust’s strategic priorities, you will ensure financial processes, systems, and analysis drive efficiency, innovation, and impact across our schools.
Through expert financial analysis and business partnering, you will empower the Executive Team and school leaders to make informed, data‑driven decisions, while leading and developing a team of Senior Finance Business Partners. You will play a key role in strengthening financial management, improving reporting and benchmarking, and embedding best practice across the Trust - fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance. This is a career‑defining opportunity to combine strategic leadership with operational excellence, delivering meaningful impact for our schools and the communities they serve.
Our Ideal Candidate Will Have
- Professional Expertise: Professionally qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, CIPFA or equivalent) with substantial post‑qualification experience and a track record of delivering high‑quality financial leadership.
- Complex Financial Reporting: Proven experience producing and presenting consolidated management accounts within complex, multi‑site or decentralised organisations.
- Insight‑Driven Decision Making: Strong background in developing clear, actionable financial analysis that supports stakeholder outcomes and strategic decision‑making.
- People Leadership: Experienced in leading, motivating, and developing high‑performing teams - building capability through coaching, training, and support.
- Sector Knowledge: Solid understanding of academy financial regulations, with a strong grasp of how multi‑academy trusts and schools operate.
- Service Excellence: A customer‑focused mindset, with a demonstrable ability to improve services, streamline processes, and add value across an organisation.
- Strategic Communication: An excellent communicator, able to translate complex financial data into clear, meaningful insights for a wide range of stakeholders.
- Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusted, collaborative relationships across senior leaders and school teams.
- Continuous Improvement: A proactive mindset with a passion for refining processes, driving efficiencies, and embedding best practice across a finance function.
Head of Finance Business Partnering employer: Creative Education Trust
Creative Education Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises professional growth and a collaborative work culture, making it an ideal place for the Head of Finance Business Partnering. With a commitment to continuous improvement and high performance, employees are empowered to drive meaningful impact across schools while enjoying opportunities for leadership development and strategic influence. Located in a dynamic educational environment, the Trust fosters a supportive atmosphere where innovative financial strategies can flourish, ultimately benefiting the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Business Partnering
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Creative Education Trust. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance Business Partnering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Creative Education Trust.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Creative Education Trust's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Creative Education Trust
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Creative Education Trust.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Creative Education Trust will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Creative Education Trust employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
