At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape financial planning and drive sustainability across multiple secondary academies.
- Company: Join L.E.A.D. Academy Trust, a mission-driven organisation transforming futures.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, professional development, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the financial future of our academies.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified accountant or relevant experience; strong financial knowledge required.
- Other info: Be part of a positive, inclusive culture with growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Your Role
Be part of something that transforms futures. At L.E.A.D. Academy Trust, our mission is simple: to Lead, Empower, Achieve and Drive. These principles shape everything we do and as our new Regional Finance Business Partner (Secondary), you will play a central role in supporting the financial excellence that helps our academies thrive.
Why join us?
This is not just another finance role. It is a strategic, influential position where you will shape financial planning across multiple secondary academies – currently Noel-Baker Academy and The Birley Academy, with scope to grow as our Trust develops. You will be the trusted expert that Headteachers and senior leaders turn to, bringing clarity, insight and confidence to complex financial decisions while ensuring our values shine through in everything you do.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead the 3‑year budget planning process and drive financial sustainability across the secondary portfolio.
- Act as the go‑to specialist for all financial matters within your academies, providing high‑quality advice, challenge, and guidance.
- Oversee the production of accurate monthly and annual accounts, financial reports, VAT returns, cash‑flow statements, and reconciliations.
- Provide powerful financial insight to inform strategic decisions and support Headteachers in delivering their academy visions.
- Lead quarterly re‑forecasts, monitor variances, and recommend proactive actions to keep each academy on track.
- Build strong, professional relationships with school leaders, auditors, external providers, and internal stakeholders.
- Coach, mentor and develop finance colleagues across the region – helping build a high‑performing finance community.
What we're looking for:
- Part‑qualified accountant status or equivalent relevant experience.
- Strong technical knowledge of financial planning, reporting and analysis.
- A collaborative mindset – confidence to challenge and influence when needed.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
- Experience in educational or academy finances (desirable but not essential).
- A self‑starter attitude and the ability to work to tight deadlines with autonomy.
- Commitment to our Trust values and to building a positive, inclusive culture.
What we offer:
- A role with genuine influence and senior visibility.
- Hybrid working arrangements for improved work‑life balance – at least 1 day per week working from home.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development.
- A supportive, values‑driven team and leadership culture.
- The chance to make an impact across multiple academies, shaping the financial future of our Trust.
Qualifications:
- Professional full or part accountancy qualification or willingness to work towards (essential).
- GCSE Maths and English grade 4‑9 (A‑C) or equivalent (essential).
Safeguarding Information
L.E.A.D Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references. L.E.A.D Academy Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Regional Finance Business Partner in Nottingham employer: LEAD Academy Trust
Contact Detail:
LEAD Academy Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Finance Business Partner in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at L.E.A.D. Academy Trust on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding their values: Lead, Empower, Achieve, and Drive. Think of examples from your experience that showcase how you embody these principles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your financial expertise during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex financial decisions in the past and how you can bring clarity and insight to their academies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows your commitment to joining the L.E.A.D. Academy Trust team.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Finance Business Partner in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Regional Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial planning and how it aligns with our mission at L.E.A.D. Academy Trust.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills can contribute to our academies' financial excellence. Use specific examples that reflect your ability to provide high-quality advice and support strategic decisions.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value a collaborative mindset, so share experiences where you’ve successfully influenced or challenged decisions in a positive way.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and shows your commitment to joining our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at LEAD Academy Trust
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Regional Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your strong technical knowledge of financial planning and reporting. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This will show that you can bring clarity and insight to complex financial decisions.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Mindset
This role requires a collaborative approach, so think about examples where you've successfully influenced stakeholders or worked with diverse teams. Be prepared to share how you’ve built strong relationships in previous positions, as this will highlight your ability to connect with Headteachers and senior leaders.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle tight deadlines. Prepare scenarios where you've had to lead budget planning or manage financial variances. This will help you illustrate your proactive approach and self-starter attitude, which are crucial for this role.
✨Align with Trust Values
L.E.A.D. Academy Trust values are at the core of their mission. Familiarise yourself with these principles and think about how your personal values align with them. During the interview, express your commitment to building a positive, inclusive culture, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.