Central Finance Business Partner in London

Salary: £65,000–£70,000 per annum (dependent on experience and location) + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits.

Hours: 37 hours per week, Hybrid working arrangement with three days per week in the office and two days per week working from home.

Contract: Permanent.

Location: EdCity, 1 EdCity Walk, London W12 7TF, or Northern Regional Office, Ormesby Road, Middlesbrough TS3 8RE with occasional travel to EdCity.

Drive financial excellence that enables every child to receive an outstanding education. We are seeking an exceptional and commercially minded Central Finance Business Partner to play a pivotal role in supporting Lift Schools’ central services and wider organisational growth. This is a high‑profile role that sits at the heart of our finance function, partnering with senior leaders, budget holders and executive colleagues to ensure our resources are used effectively, sustainably and in line with our mission. You will provide strategic financial insight, challenge and support across central services while helping to shape the future financial sustainability of one of the country’s leading multi‑academy trusts.

Working closely with the Group Planning and Reporting Manager, Regional Finance Business Partners and the wider finance leadership team, you will drive robust financial planning, strengthen financial controls, support income diversification and ensure value for money across our central operations. This is a unique opportunity to influence decision‑making at scale, helping us deliver excellent education to more than 34,000 pupils across our national network of schools.

You’ll be someone who:

• Is a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys partnering with senior leaders, influencing decision‑making and driving continuous improvement.
• Is confident building relationships across a complex organisation and passionate about ensuring resources are used effectively to support excellent outcomes for young people.

You’ll bring:

• Experience in finance business partnering, management accounting or a similar role.
• Strong financial planning, budgeting and forecasting skills.
• The ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insight.
• Confidence in building relationships, influencing stakeholders and providing constructive challenge.
• A proactive approach, strong attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement.

In this role, you will:

• Partner with central service leaders to support effective decision‑making and long‑term financial sustainability.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting across our central services.
• Identify financial risks, opportunities, and efficiencies to help maximise value for money.
• Support the growth of commercial and diversified income streams.
• Contribute to the development of financial systems, processes and controls across the trust.

Who is Lift Schools? We’re a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child – in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 59 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they’ve ever had.

We offer you:

• Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
• Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
• Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work–life balance with two days a week working from home, 33 days of annual leave, and the freedom to work remotely outside of term time.

We embrace diversity and promote equality of opportunity. Job share, part‑time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.