Interim Finance Business Partner - #2168738

EA First is supporting a Multi-Academy Trust in the Birmingham area with the appointment of an Interim Finance Business Partner for an initial 6 month period. The role is paying £250 per day (umbrella).

The Trust operates a number of schools across the region and has an established central finance function supporting school leaders and budget holders. Due to changes within the existing finance team, they are looking for an experienced education finance professional who can quickly take ownership of a portfolio of schools and provide both strong management accounting and business partnering support.

Working across approximately 3–4 schools, you will act as the key finance contact for school leaders and non-finance budget holders.

Responsibilities will include:

• Producing and reviewing monthly management accounts.
• Reviewing expenditure, staffing numbers and financial performance across your schools.
• Business partnering with Headteachers, senior leaders and other non-finance stakeholders.
• Investigating variances and responding to financial queries.
• Reviewing and approving purchase orders.
• Supporting budget holders to understand their financial position and make informed decisions.
• Holding constructive and, where required, challenging conversations around budgets, expenditure and financial performance.
• Providing day to day financial support across your allocated schools.

The Trust is particularly interested in candidates who:

• Have previous Multi-Academy Trust, school or wider education finance experience.
• Have a strong management accounting and/or Finance Business Partnering background.
• Are comfortable supporting several schools or business areas simultaneously.
• Can build credibility with Headteachers and other non-finance stakeholders.
• Are confident challenging budget holders and explaining financial information in a clear, practical way.
• Can quickly get up to speed with new processes and systems.
• Previous use of Sage Intacct would be advantageous but not essential.

Interim Finance Business Partner:

• £250 per day (umbrella).
• Initial 6 month contract.
• Hybrid working following the initial on-boarding period.
• Flexibility around onsite working days.
• Immediate/ASAP start.
• Opportunity to join an established finance team within a Multi-Academy Trust.