Finance Business Partner

We are pleased to be exclusively recruiting a Finance Business Partner for a Multi-Academy Trust to provide financial leadership across three Schools/Academies in Lancashire. For an ambitious and proactive candidate, this role is offering £58,000-£64,000 per annum + 28 days holiday + 8 public holidays + LG Pension (c16% employer contributions).

A Multi-Academy Trust that runs a diverse network of primary and secondary schools. The organisation currently has c30 free schools and academies, c£200 t/o, with over 3500 employees.

Responsibilities:

• Provide financial leadership and management across three schools/academies in Lancashire.
• Lead the development of financial operations and take responsibility for financial matters in all of the designated schools/academies.
• Assume responsibility for financial compliance, budget preparation, financial reporting, school financial accounts, audit preparation, and financial systems and processes within all of the designated schools/academies, as well as other areas of work commensurate with the purpose of the post.
• Provide specific expertise in long-term financial management, ensuring that all of the designated schools meet the requirements set out by the Department for Education (DfE) and Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and comply with their statutory obligations.
• Work with the Principal and Trust's Senior Finance Team to prepare annual budgets for each of the designated schools/academies, managing day-to-day operational spend.
• Work closely with the Administrative Teams at each of the designated schools, ensuring compliance with financial procedures, including the purchasing of services and the preparation and monitoring of individual school budgets.
• Promote best practice by ensuring that designated schools/academies comply with the financial processes and procedures set out in the policies of the Multi Academy Trust and Academies' Financial Handbook.
• Support designated schools in their primary function of teaching and learning.

Qualifications:

• You will be ACA, ACCA, CIMA/CGMA, CIPFA or equivalent qualified. Please note, part-qualified working towards qualifications will be considered.
• It is essential you have worked within the Education or Not-for-Profit sector.
• Proven ability of full financial management for an organisation or part of a Group.
• At least 3 years' experience working as a Management Accountant or Finance Business Partner.
• Comfortable to produce school financial accounts and prepare for audit.
• Track record working with budget holders is critical.
• Experience managing large and complex budgets.
• Strong knowledge of financial charity regulations.
• Excellent financial planning skills.
• Ability to mentor and train members of staff.

Benefits:

• £58,000 - £64,000
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• Local Government Pension (employer contributes c16%).
• Hybrid working - 3 days on-site (1 day at each school) / 2 days at home.
• Flexible working hours.
• 37 hours per week.
• Reduced hours considered.
• Free parking at each site.
• CPD Allowance, inclusive of study support package beyond probation period.

EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this permanent vacancy.