Senior Finance Business Partner

Senior Finance Business Partner entrusted to be a key member of the Central Finance Team, with responsibility for assisting the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in ensuring the Trust has an effective financial management system in place. The individual will be in charge of all financial operations for the trust's primary schools.

Client Details

Our client is dedicated to transforming children's futures through partnerships and collaborations. They seek to establish a climate where brilliance develops as a result of outstanding leadership, engaging teaching, and high-quality learning by putting children at the centre of everything they do. This stems from a goal to form a coalition for change in all their schools, leaving a legacy in which students may reach their full potential as learners.

Description

• Responsible for providing Headteachers with business support as needed, including financial and contractual arrangements with important suppliers and stakeholders. Monitoring expenditure against budget to avoid overspending and give budget holders with information as needed.
• You will be responsible for preparing month-end reports on time for schools and the Centre, including monthly actuals, projections, budget commentary, bank and balance sheet control account reconciliations. You will also collaborate with the Headteachers and CFO to develop annual budgets and three-year plans for the schools and Centre, as well as detailed staffing plans.
• Assist the CFO with internal and external audit needs, including providing sufficient documentation for all transactions and overseeing and maintaining the fixed asset register.
• To be responsible for the monthly payroll processing for the Centre and schools, as well as working with outsourced suppliers to ensure that any overtime, sickness absence, and other payroll changes are processed. You will also work with the operations lead on all HR issues affecting financial performance and payroll, as well as any employee pay and pension questions.
• Supervise the school Finance Officer and Financial Accountant who are stationed centrally and within regions and oversee the day-to-day financial and administrative procedures for schools, both in person and remotely.
• You will be responsible for keeping track of government grant money in relation to financing schedules, and monthly record review to ensure accuracy and calculate the Trust's holdback, accruals, and prepayments.
• You will be in charge of the Trust's financial flow, daily cash balances must be reviewed to ensure that no overdrafts occur and that the Trust does not run a cash deficit. The long-term cash-flow prediction is updated monthly.
• Plan, coordinate, and control the year-end process for preparing the Trust's statutory annual accounts, as well as generate financial reports for Headteachers and other senior executives.

Profile

• A recognised accountancy qualification (ACCA, ACA, CIMA) from a practice background with strong experience in financial controls and has a strong interest in the education sector.
• Experience of using computer-based accounting systems example PSF/IRIS and IMP.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced and multi-site environment.
• Experience working with external professional organisations. (auditors, bankers, insurers, funding agencies, local authority etc.).
• Experience in preparing, reviewing, and monitoring budgets and financial forecasts.

Job Offer

• £55,000 to £60,000 depending on skills and experience.
• 2-3 days a week in the office.
• 28 days annual leave and local government pension scheme.