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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and support academies in achieving their goals.
- Company: Join a medium-sized charity dedicated to transforming young lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, and professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualified with experience in finance business partnering.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and team support.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 60000 £ per year.
The organisation operates within the Education/Charity sector and is a medium-sized entity, dedicated to delivering impactful services and achieving its mission. It offers a collaborative and professional environment for its employees.
As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you will oversee and be professionally responsible for the provision of a high-quality financial service to the academies the post-holder is accountable for. This post is central to supporting the trust and its academies to achieve their strategic aims and objectives, via effective and efficient management of financial resources to ultimately transform the lives of young people.
Working closely with School Leadership Teams to discuss financial strategy, management accounts, budgets & forecasts and to provide financial and commercial advice. Working with trust finance colleagues to drive continuous improvement in controls, find efficiencies in processes and enhance financial analysis which adds value. Working closely with other trust departments such as HR, Estates and Procurement to align staffing, estates and supplier strategies with financial plans.
Specific Responsibilities- Leadership & Strategy: Meet regularly with the Principals / Headteachers to discuss financial strategy, monthly management accounts, risks & opportunities, forecasts and to provide financial and commercial advice. Lead on the development of budgets and the three-year financial plans for the academies in the region, ensuring they reflect the strategic priorities of the academies and the academy development plan. Develop an in-depth understanding of the education provision within the academies to allow for financial modelling of cost drivers and future planning. Manage the relationship with the home local authority for the academies supported to ensure a pro-active relationship regarding income and banding discussions. Lead on trust-wide projects as assigned to ensure consistency and best practice.
- Financial Management: Manage the production of insightful month-end reporting in line with the reporting timetable and maintain procedures to ensure financial transactions are recorded and reported accurately within the accounting system. Management Accounts reviews should ensure control and understanding of income and expenditure, balance sheet and cash flow with commentary on key variances and highlighting any risks and opportunities. Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the finance function, in line with management priorities and promote shared learning and good practice across the wider Trust. Proactively implement the Trust's policies and procedures and ensure compliance with the Trust's financial regulations. Prepare the budgets and three-year plan in line with Trust guidance for the academies responsible for. Periodically update robust financial forecasts as required for the academies and ensure budgeting controls are upheld and that the academies work within the approved budget. Ensure monthly payrolls are checked and authorised in line with expectations and ensure controls and linkage between headcount planning and forecasting and actual results. Provide financial training for school leadership teams, budget holders and other members of staff as required. Lead on the partnership with the Local Governing Body (LGB) as the finance contact providing information and attending meetings as required. Maintain information in a confidential manner, following data protection regulations.
- People Management & Professional Development: Provide full line management to Assistant Finance Business Partner and Finance Officer including objective setting, review and feedback, development, training, motivation and support. Ensure training and development is available where needed for school contacts.
- CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualified accountant.
- Proven experience of finance business partnering, preferably within the Education or public sector.
- Demonstrable knowledge of financial management, budget planning, analysis and reporting.
- Continuous improvement mindset with a desire to challenge the status quo.
- Excellent communication skills with proven ability in working with non-financial stakeholders.
- Experience of line management and an interest in people development.
- Proficiency with Microsoft packages and ability to learn finance systems required.
- Flexible, team-player with a can-do attitude to providing the best service to schools possible.
- Competitive salary between £52,000 and £60,000 per annum.
- Comprehensive benefits package including a local government pension scheme.
- Opportunity to work within the Not For Profit sector.
- Permanent role based within the South London/Surrey border with a focus on professional growth.
- Collaborative and supportive working environment.
If you meet the criteria and are ready to take on this rewarding opportunity as a Senior Finance Business Partner, we encourage you to apply today!
Senior Finance Business Partner in Sutton Coldfield employer: Michael Page (UK)
Contact Detail:
Michael Page (UK) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner in Sutton Coldfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and charity sectors. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation thoroughly, especially their financial strategies and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your previous work, like financial reports or budgets you've developed. This will help demonstrate your expertise and give interviewers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and are keen to be part of the mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Business Partner in Sutton Coldfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualifications and any relevant experience in finance business partnering, especially within the education or charity sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working in the education/charity sector and how your financial expertise can help transform the lives of young people. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be working closely with non-financial stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Include examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different teams or departments in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity as a Senior Finance Business Partner!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page (UK)
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of how you've managed budgets and forecasts, as well as any financial modelling you've done.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities within the education and charity sectors. Research the organisation's mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you're not just a finance expert, but also passionate about making a difference.
✨Communicate Effectively
You'll be working closely with non-financial stakeholders, so practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully communicated financial strategies to school leadership teams or other departments, highlighting your ability to collaborate and influence.
✨Show Your Continuous Improvement Mindset
The role requires a focus on driving efficiencies and improvements. Think of specific instances where you've identified areas for improvement in financial processes or reporting. Be ready to discuss how you implemented changes and the positive impact they had on the organisation.
