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- Tasks: Lead financial operations and support across schools in Greater Manchester & Lancashire.
- Company: Star Central is a vibrant Multi-Academy Trust dedicated to nurturing young leaders.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, generous holidays, healthcare plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures while working in a supportive and ambitious environment.
- Qualifications: Strong budgeting skills, excellent communication, and experience with non-financial stakeholders required.
- Other info: Travel between academies is necessary; commitment to equality and diversity is paramount.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Are you a passionate, self-motivated and ambitious Finance professional looking to make an impact in a vibrant and thriving Multi-Academy Trust?
Star Central, which is based at our head office in Blackburn, Lancashire, provides leadership, strategic direction and support to Star Academies, Star Institute and our schools. The Star Central team includes experts from a range of professional backgrounds, who work together to provide an outstanding support service to the Star community. We support our schools to provide educational and operational excellence and to cultivate a strong Star community, with the aim of nurturing today's young people and inspiring tomorrow's leaders.
We are looking to appoint a Finance Business Partner to provide financial leadership and management support across designated schools across the Greater Manchester & Lancashire area. You will lead the development of financial operations and take responsibility for financial matters in the designated schools.
You will have:
- A sound understanding of the budgeting & financial management processes, preferably in an educational establishment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience of developing constructive relationships with non-financial stakeholders
You will find an organisation that:
- Is passionate about its vision of 'Nurturing Today's Young People, Inspiring Tomorrow's Leaders'
- Has a supportive ethos and concern for the well-being of all members of our community
- Has high ambitions for all and provides excellent opportunities for professional development
- Is well-ordered with high standards of commitment
The role will be based across Lancashire & Greater Manchester area and the post holder will be required to travel between the designated academies or to any other reasonable location where the Trust is undertaking its business.
Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you'll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person's future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.
Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.
Please download the job description and person specification below for further information about the role. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role please contact Star Central by calling 0330 313 9800. The Trust is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Applicants must complete the Trust's application form. CVs will not be accepted for this post.
Key Dates:
- Closing Date: Sunday 23 March 2025 at midnight.
- Interview Date: Wednesday 02 April 2025
- Proposed Start Date: Tuesday 01 July 2025
To apply for this vacancy please use the 'Apply for job' link below. You should ensure your application form and supporting statement address all elements of the person specification. We will only consider candidates who meet the vast majority of the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.
Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks. We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.
Finance Business Partner employer: Star Academies
Contact Detail:
Star Academies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial management processes used in educational establishments. Understanding how budgeting works in a school context will give you an edge when discussing your experience and insights during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in finance roles within educational settings. This can provide you with valuable insights into the challenges they face and how you can position yourself as a solution during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to build relationships with non-financial stakeholders. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated complex financial information to those without a finance background.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Star Academies and their values thoroughly. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs, especially around nurturing young people and inspiring future leaders, will show your genuine interest in the role and organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Finance Business Partner position. Make sure you understand the importance of financial leadership in an educational context.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Craft a supporting statement that directly addresses the person specification. Highlight your experience with budgeting and financial management, and provide examples of how you've built relationships with non-financial stakeholders.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of jargon. Use professional language and structure your application logically.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to complete the Trust's application form as specified. Remember that CVs will not be accepted, so focus on providing all required information in the application form itself.
How to prepare for a job interview at Star Academies
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Finance Business Partner does, especially in an educational context. Familiarise yourself with budgeting and financial management processes relevant to schools, as this will be crucial during your interview.
✨Showcase Communication Skills
Since the role involves developing relationships with non-financial stakeholders, practice articulating complex financial concepts in simple terms. Be prepared to discuss examples where you've successfully communicated financial information to non-financial colleagues.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Education
Star Academies is focused on nurturing young people and inspiring future leaders. Share your motivation for working in education and how your financial expertise can contribute to this mission. Highlight any previous experience in educational settings if applicable.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's vision, values, and how the finance team supports the overall goals of the Trust. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
