At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial improvement projects and coach finance teams in a Multi-Academy Trust.
- Company: Dynamic Multi-Academy Trust focused on financial process enhancement.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of up to £400 per day and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for hands-on experience and professional growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial processes while developing your consulting skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in Multi-Academy Trusts and strong financial planning skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
A Multi-Academy Trust undergoing a period of financial process improvement is seeking an experienced Financial Planning Consultant to strengthen capability across its finance team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a hands-on consulting environment and can quickly build confidence and consistency within school-facing finance teams.
You will lead a programme of financial improvement, identifying gaps in knowledge, refining job descriptions and coaching the team to operate effectively and independently. A key part of the role involves attending meetings with headteachers, initially demonstrating best practice, then supporting the team as they take the lead themselves.
Responsibilities include:
- Build and embed a clear, reliable month-end timetable
- Review how Pupil Premium and nursery spend are reflected within budgets and forecasts
- Strengthen oversight of risks, management accounts and financial controls
- Ensure consistency of reporting and approach
- Support process improvement and help the team understand what 'good' looks like in a MAT finance environment.
What you'll need to succeed:
- Experience working within a Multi-Academy Trust (essential)
- Strong financial planning, budgeting and forecasting capability
- Confident coaching and developing finance teams
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders, including headteachers
- Understanding of school funding nuances, including Pupil Premium and early years/nursery funding
- QBE or qualified accountants welcome
- A proactive, structured and improvement-focused approach.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Financial Planning Consultant employer: Hays
As a Multi-Academy Trust committed to financial excellence, we offer a dynamic and supportive work environment where your expertise as a Financial Planning Consultant will directly impact the educational landscape. Our hybrid working model promotes flexibility, while our focus on professional development ensures that you will have ample opportunities to grow and refine your skills in a collaborative setting. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the financial management of schools across the West Midlands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Planning Consultant
✨Join Financial Networking Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Financial Planning Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Hays will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Hays. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Hays confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Hays.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Hays that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
