Full job descriptionRobertson Bell are supporting a growing Multi Academy Trust in the appointment of a Finance Business Partner to join their expanding finance team.
Supporting 30+ sites across primary, secondary and all-through settings, this is an exciting opportunity to join a values-driven organisation at a key stage of growth. The Trust has a large and supportive central finance function, working closely with teams across multiple locations to provide accurate financial information, guidance and challenge.
As Finance Business Partner, you will take ownership of the finances for a portfolio of sites, acting as the key finance contact for senior stakeholders. This is a hands-on role combining technical finance delivery with stakeholder engagement, where you will be responsible for ensuring strong financial control, accurate reporting and effective decision-making.
You will manage the full finance function for your allocated sites, providing both the technical expertise and commercial support required to help leaders understand their financial position and make informed decisions.
Key responsibilities will include:
*Taking full ownership of the finances for a portfolio of sites
*Producing monthly management accounts, budgets, forecasts and financial reports
*Providing accurate reporting at both site and Trust level
*Working closely with senior stakeholders to support financial planning and decision-making
*Completing reconciliations, journals, transaction reviews and maintaining strong financial controls
*Supporting payroll processes through iTrent
*Using systems including IRIS PSF and IMP to maintain accurate financial information
*Reviewing financial performance, identifying risks and providing constructive challenge
*Supporting and upskilling non-finance colleagues to improve financial understanding
The successful candidate will ideally have:
*Experience working within education finance, ideally within a Multi Academy Trust or maintained school environment
*A recognised finance qualification or be qualified by experience
*Strong technical accounting knowledge, including double-entry bookkeeping and a good understanding of debits and credits
*Experience preparing management accounts, budgets, forecasts and detailed financial reports
*Strong Excel skills and confidence working with complex spreadsheets and data
*Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate financial information
*The ability to build strong relationships and communicate financial information clearly with non-finance stakeholders
The Trust is open to candidates from different backgrounds, including those who have developed strong technical finance skills through practice or wider multi-site organisations.
Personality is hugely important for this position. The successful candidate will be approachable, collaborative and values-driven, with the confidence to build strong relationships and become a trusted partner to stakeholders across the organisation.
The finance team is friendly, supportive and works closely together to deliver an excellent service. This is an opportunity to join an organisation where finance plays a key role in enabling teams across the Trust to succeed.
Please note this is a multi-site role, with regular travel required across the Trust’s locations. The successful candidate will be expected to work collaboratively across multiple sites, with regular in-person attendance required to build relationships with stakeholders and provide effective finance support.