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- Tasks: Lead financial operations across three schools, ensuring compliance and effective budget management.
- Company: Join a dynamic Multi-Academy Trust with over 30 schools and 3500 employees in Lancashire.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 28 days holiday, hybrid working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your financial expertise in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified ACA, ACCA, CIMA/CGMA, or equivalent; experience in Education or Not-for-Profit sectors required.
- Other info: Flexible hours and CPD allowance for continuous professional development.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 64000 £ per year.
We are pleased to be exclusively recruiting a Finance Business Partner for a Multi-Academy Trust to provide financial leadership across three Schools/Academies in Lancashire. For an ambitious and proactive candidate, this role is offering £58,000-£64,000 per annum + 28 days holiday + 8 public holidays + LG Pension (c16% employer contributions). A Multi-Academy Trust that runs a diverse network of primary and secondary schools. The organisation currently has c30 free schools and academies, c£200 t/o, with over 3500 employees.
Responsibilities:
- Provide financial leadership and management across three schools/academies in Lancashire.
- Lead the development of financial operations and take responsibility for financial matters in all of the designated schools/academies.
- Assume responsibility for financial compliance, budget preparation, financial reporting, school financial accounts, audit preparation, and financial systems and processes within all of the designated schools/academies.
- Provide specific expertise in long-term financial management, ensuring that all of the designated schools meet the requirements set out by the Department for Education (DfE) and Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and comply with their statutory obligations.
- Work with the Principal and Trust's Senior Finance Team to prepare annual budgets for each of the designated schools/academies, managing day-to-day operational spend.
- Work closely with the Administrative Teams at each of the designated schools, ensuring compliance with financial procedures, including the purchasing of services and the preparation and monitoring of individual school budgets.
- Promote best practice by ensuring that designated schools/academies comply with the financial processes and procedures set out in the policies of the Multi Academy Trust and Academies' Financial Handbook.
- Support designated schools in their primary function of teaching and learning.
Qualifications:
- You will be ACA, ACCA, CIMA/CGMA, CIPFA or equivalent qualified. Please note, part-qualified working towards qualifications will be considered.
- It is essential you have worked within the Education or Not-for-Profit sector.
- Proven ability of full financial management for an organisation or part of a Group.
- At least 3 years' experience working as a Management Accountant or Finance Business Partner.
- Comfortable to produce school financial accounts and prepare for audit.
- Track record working with budget holders is critical.
- Experience managing large and complex budgets.
- Strong knowledge of financial charity regulations.
- Excellent financial planning skills.
- Ability to mentor and train members of staff.
Benefits:
- £58,000 - £64,000
- 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
- Local Government Pension (employer contributes c16%).
- Hybrid working - 3 days on-site (1 day at each school) / 2 days at home.
- Flexible working hours.
- 37 hours per week. Reduced hours considered.
- Free parking at each site.
- CPD Allowance, inclusive of study support package beyond probation period.
Finance Business Partner employer: EA First Compass House
Contact Detail:
EA First Compass House Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the financial regulations specific to the education sector, especially those set by the Department for Education (DfE) and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and best practices.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in finance roles within the education or not-for-profit sectors. Attend relevant events or join online forums to gain insights and potentially get referrals that could enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with managing large and complex budgets in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated financial challenges in previous roles, as this will be crucial for demonstrating your capability as a Finance Business Partner.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your mentoring and training skills during the interview process. Highlight any past experiences where you've supported colleagues or teams in understanding financial processes, as this aligns well with the responsibilities of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial management, particularly within the education or not-for-profit sector. Emphasise your qualifications and any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities of a Finance Business Partner.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for financial leadership in education. Discuss how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for the role, and mention your understanding of the financial compliance requirements set by the DfE and ESFA.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA/CGMA, or CIPFA. If you are part-qualified, mention your progress and how it complements your practical experience in financial management.
Showcase Your Experience: Detail your experience managing large and complex budgets, and your ability to work with budget holders. Provide examples of how you've successfully led financial operations in previous roles, especially in educational settings.
How to prepare for a job interview at EA First Compass House
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and experience in financial management, particularly within the education or not-for-profit sector. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and ensured compliance with financial regulations.
✨Understand the Multi-Academy Trust Structure
Familiarise yourself with how Multi-Academy Trusts operate, especially in relation to financial leadership across multiple schools. This will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role's responsibilities during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in financial scenarios. Think about past experiences where you had to navigate complex financial situations and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Emphasise Your Mentoring Skills
Since the role involves mentoring and training staff, be ready to discuss your approach to developing others' financial skills. Share examples of how you've successfully guided team members in the past.
