As part of the central team, the Finance Business Partner plays a crucial role in delivering tailored guidance, training, and development to Headteachers and school office staff, including those new to the Trust or education sector. Acting as a bridge between schools and the Trust's central finance team, you will champion collaboration and resource-sharing, ensuring financial excellence and consistency across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

Supporting School Finances

• Collaborate with Headteachers and school office teams to prepare robust annual and five-year budgets for local governors and the Trust Executive Group.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, including forecasts and variance analysis, identifying financial risks and opportunities such as income generation. Update five-year budgets when required.
• Assist the Business Support Manager in producing comprehensive monthly financial reports for the Trust Executive Group, Headteachers, governors, and trustees.
• Provide scenario-based costings, offering informed advice and recommendations to Headteachers on strategic financial decisions.
• Monitor budget planning across schools, flagging serious concerns with the Business Support Manager for timely intervention.

Reporting and Compliance

• Contribute to Trust-wide financial reporting for the Executive Group, including collaboration with the CFO.
• Offer guidance on monitoring and managing additional school budgets (e.g., care clubs, catering, or property leasing).
• Ensure compliance with VAT regulations for school income and consistent implementation across the Trust.

Support and Development

• Build strong relationships with school teams, attending key meetings, including those of governing bodies, to support the presentation of complex financial information to stakeholders.
• Guide school staff on insurance claims, payroll reconciliations, and salary projection updates using budget planning software.
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of sensitive financial data at all times.
• Share best practices across the Trust, contributing to Trust-wide events and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Leadership and Advocacy

• Act as a champion for Trust-wide collaboration, promoting shared resources and expertise to maximize efficiency.
• Occasionally deputize for the Business Support Manager as needed.
• Uphold the principles of consistency, probity, and value for money, keeping the Trust's best interests at the core of all activities.

This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented finance professional with excellent communication and analytical skills, capable of driving financial performance and building effective partnerships across the Trust.

The ideal candidate will either be part-qualified, qualified or qualified by experience but you will have had experience of working within a school previously and understand the nuances of working in the education sector.

You will be rewarded with an attractive salary and benefits package (including local government pension scheme) hybrid working and the opportunity to shape the financial future of a number of schools within the Warwickshire area.

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