Full job description

Senior Finance Business Partner
Location: Derby
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000
Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced finance professional to join a growing education organisation as a Senior Finance Business Partner.
Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, you will lead a team of Finance Business Partners and play a key strategic role in supporting senior leaders to make informed financial decisions. You will provide high-quality financial insight, oversee consolidated financial planning and reporting, and help drive long-term financial sustainability across a portfolio of schools.
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded finance leader who enjoys partnering with stakeholders, influencing strategic decisions and leading continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
As Senior Finance Business Partner, you will:
*Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting across multiple schools.
*Produce insightful management information, variance analysis and performance reporting.
*Develop financial and operational KPIs that support strategic decision-making.
*Provide financial analysis and recommendations to executive leadership and governing bodies.
*Partner with school leaders to ensure financial resources are aligned with organisational priorities.
*Support financial recovery planning, risk management and long-term sustainability.
*Lead procurement and cost-efficiency initiatives, ensuring value for money and compliance.
*Line manage, coach and develop a team of Finance Business Partners.
*Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the organisation.
*Translate complex financial information into clear, practical recommendations.
About You
We’re looking for an experienced finance professional who can combine technical expertise with excellent business partnering skills.
You’ll ideally have:
Essential
*Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) or significant equivalent experience.
*Extensive post-qualification experience in a senior finance role.
*Strong financial planning, budgeting and forecasting experience.
*Experience producing high-quality management information and financial analysis.
*Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and communicate financial information clearly.
*Experience leading, mentoring and developing finance teams.
*Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel and financial systems knowledge.
*Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Desirable
*Experience within the education, public sector or not-for-profit environment.
*Knowledge of education funding and financial regulations.
*Experience leading organisational change and financial transformation initiatives.
What You’ll Bring
You’ll be:
*A strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness.
*An excellent communicator who can build credibility with senior leaders.
*A collaborative leader who develops high-performing teams.
*Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
*Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
*Passionate about delivering value through effective financial management.