Finance Business Partner

Finance Business Partner needed  Paying  £32.36 per hr ref 467895

Full time hours on a temporary basis

Hybrid working- Twice Monthly visits to office

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Finance Business Partner with a strong background in the education sector. This role requires in‑depth knowledge of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) requirements and regulations, along with experience supporting SEND / High Needs financial planning and monitoring.

You will work closely with senior leaders, schools, and service managers to provide clear financial insight, support strategic decision‑making, and ensure robust financial governance across education services.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the lead finance partner for education services, providing expert advice on budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Manage and monitor DSG, ensuring compliance with statutory regulations and supporting preparation of returns and reports.
• Lead on financial modelling and analysis for SEND / High Needs provision, identifying pressures, risks, and funding gaps.
• Work closely with school leaders, offering financial guidance and supporting long‑term financial planning.
• Prepare management accounts, variance analysis, and detailed financial reports for senior stakeholders.
• Support strategic reviews, service redesigns, and transformation projects within education services.
• Build strong relationships with operational teams, explaining financial concepts in an accessible and supportive way.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, audit requirements, and statutory reporting.

Ideal Skills & Experience Required

• Strong experience as a Finance Business Partner, ideally within the education sector.
• In‑depth knowledge of the Dedicated Schools Grant, including its structure, regulations, funding blocks, and reporting requirements.
• Extensive experience working with SEND / High Needs budgets, including modelling, forecasting, and expenditure monitoring.
• Professional accounting qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ACA) or equivalent experience.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to challenge and influence senior stakeholders.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience creating financial models.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

 If you are interested in the role, please email your CV to verity@essentialemploy.co.uk quoting the reference number. 

Essential Employment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Essential Employment is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

All our roles may be subject to pre-employment checks including references so please be prepared