At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic financial advice and support to enhance decision-making and organisational performance.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at MKC Training, part of MidKent College.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and leadership development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving financial strategy and supporting key projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 43046 - 50709 £ per year.
The Finance Business Partner is a key member of the Group Shared Services Finance Function, supporting the link to the overall Group. The role provides strategic financial business partnering and management accounting support to MKC Training, working collaboratively with Executive Teams, Senior Leaders and budget holders to support effective financial planning, decision-making and organisational performance.
Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, the post holder will act as a trusted financial adviser, translating financial information into meaningful business insight, challenging assumptions, identifying opportunities and supporting the delivery of strategic priorities set out by Company and the wider Group.
Working closely with the Chief Finance Officer, Group Financial Controller, Head of Finance and wider Finance Team, the Finance Business Partner will ensure robust financial management, forecasting, budgeting and compliance with financial regulations, policies and procedures. The role will also develop strong working relationships with the wider corporate services including People, Estates, ICT and Procurement to support informed decision-making across the organisation and wider Group.
The post holder will provide leadership to the Management Accountant and contribute to the continuous improvement of financial processes, reporting and business partnering across MKC Training.
Main Responsibilities and Duties:
- Act as the Finance Business Partner for designated areas across MidKent College Training Services, providing strategic financial advice, challenge and support to Executive Directors, Directors, senior managers and budget holders.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships across the Group, ensuring financial considerations are embedded within strategic and operational decision-making.
- Lead the preparation of annual budgets, financial forecasts and medium to long-term financial plans, ensuring assumptions are robust, evidence-based and aligned with organisational priorities.
- Support the Group Financial Controller in producing accurate and timely monthly management accounts for MKC Training and its collation into the Group, including forecasts and financial commentary, analysing performance, identifying key variances, risks and opportunities, and recommending appropriate actions.
- Lead budget monitoring and financial review meetings with budget holders, providing meaningful financial insight, challenge and support to improve financial performance and accountability.
- Prepare and review management accounting adjustments, including journals, accruals, prepayments, recharges and other month-end accounting activities, ensuring compliance with Group financial procedures and reporting deadlines.
- Work collaboratively with the Chief Finance Officer, Group Financial Controller, Head of Finance and wider Finance Team to support long-term financial planning, statutory reporting, audit requirements and continuous improvement across MKC Training and the Group Finance function.
- Prepare financial analysis, modelling and business cases to support MKC Training strategic projects, tenders, commercial opportunities, capital investment, lease assessments and other organisational initiatives, ensuring sound financial governance and value for money.
- Maintain accurate staffing establishments and workforce financial forecasts in partnership with the People Team, ensuring staffing changes and workforce plans are appropriately reflected within budgets and forecasts.
- Represent the Finance function at MKC Training Executive Team, Senior Leadership Team and other management meetings, presenting complex financial information clearly and supporting informed decision-making across MKC Training with consideration of the wider Group model.
- Identify opportunities to improve financial performance, deliver efficiencies, strengthen financial controls and enhance financial reporting, systems and business processes.
- Line manage, coach and develop the Management Accountant, promoting high performance, professional development and effective delivery of finance services.
- Deputise for the Chief Finance Officer where required, representing the Finance function internally and externally and providing leadership across the wider Group Finance Team.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations, accounting standards, funding requirements, Group policies and audit expectations, maintaining high standards of financial governance and control.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as may reasonably be required by the Chief Finance Officer.
Application Requirements
To ensure compliance with safeguarding guidelines, all applicants must complete the application form in full. This includes providing:
- A full employment history from the time you left full-time education, with details of any gaps in employment explained.
- Information on all relevant education and qualifications.
Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered. Your co-operation helps us maintain the highest standards of safety and care for children and young people.
Benefits
Click here to view MidKent College benefits.
MKC Training Finance Business Partner in Gillingham employer: MidKent College
MidKent College is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. Located in Maidstone, employees benefit from a vibrant community atmosphere, comprehensive training opportunities, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of health and safety in all workshop practices. Join us to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a fulfilling career in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land MKC Training Finance Business Partner in Gillingham
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like MidKent College. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from MidKent College.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like MidKent College. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace MKC Training Finance Business Partner in Gillingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in MidKent College and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show MidKent College how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at MidKent College
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with MidKent College.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with MidKent College's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!