The Client:
Our client is an award-winning Consultancy based in County Durham.
They are a technology enabled business, but people are at the heart of what they do. They believe in developing long lasting relationships with their customers and employees.
After completing a management buyout at the back end of 2023, after 6 years of ownership. They are extremely proud to have supported the sector for over 30 years and this marks the beginning of another positive chapter in their evolution.
The Opportunity:
For this Finance Business Partner - Lead position, you will report to the Director of Finance and will provide high quality finance advisory services to their clients.
You will oversee a small team of Finance Partners, leading by example and coaching the team through continuous improvement. Responsible for ensuring the finance function proactively supports the best interests of the schools and academies to achieve their objectives.
Some of the key responsibilities for this successful person would be but no limited to:
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Lead, proactively manage and influence your team to deliver KPI’s/business results
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Coach and support the team to ensure they are as efficient as possible and continuing to raise the quality of the service delivered to clients
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Be the Subject Matter Expert (SME), supporting the business with your technical knowledge and expertise
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Provide hands on support and advice to stakeholders in relation to a wide range of finance issues
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Aid in the development of multi-year financial planning and monitoring, cash-flow management and the recording of fixed assets
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Support clients with timely budget preparation, forecasting and monitoring
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To ensure each customers financial year is closed down and that the underlying records to support the final accounts are accurate
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Produce financial reports and present these to Boards and Governing Bodies
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Be actively involved in producing accurate, timely monthly management information
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Supporting clients to ensure they have appropriate and effective financial systems in place in accordance with agreed policies and timetables.
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Ensuring accurate financial records are maintained
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Supporting clients in ensuring that financial transactions are carried out in an appropriate manner and that the financial regulations are observed, incl. all arrangements for VAT
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Support and undertaking financial evaluations to secure value for money
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Keep abreast of financial developments across the Sector
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Ensure that stakeholders and Staff receive effective and appropriate advice and support on all practical aspects of financial management
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Build up effective, collaborative, dynamic relationships with all their customers
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Work collaboratively with the HR, Governance and H&S arms of the team, to offer clients a seamless service.
The Candidate:
The successful Finance Business Partner - Lead will be/have:
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Part Qualified or Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIPFA or CIMA)
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You may have experience outside of Education, but worked in the sector previously or have relevant experience working in the Education sector (either Primary or Secondary or Multi Academy Trust).
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Or you might be a Schools Business Manager or come from a Local Authority background (i.e. Council with Schools exposure)
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We would also consider a Charity or Not-for-Profit (Third sector) background if you understand how the funding process works
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You could already have management experience or would like to step up into a management position
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Confidence in presenting financial information to non-finance people
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Experience of producing budgets and year-end accounting
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Experience working in a dynamic, fast paced and agile environment, working collaboratively and openly with others
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Excellent IT skills (i.e., Excel, Outlook, Word)
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The ability to travel independently, with full driving licence and own transport. Although the majority of interactions can be over Teams
Benefits:
26 days holiday plus public holidays
Hybrid working - (3 days WFH and 2 days in the office)
Study Support options to become a Qualified Accountant
Holiday buy back scheme
Generous pension package
BUPA Cash Payment
Flexible working arrangements
Cycle Scheme
Company events
Tailored learning and development programmes (Quarterly)
An inclusive and open workplace
They have big ambitions for the future - and therefore want to speak to the right individuals with the right energy and values to take them there.
Please contact for a confidential discussion