Senior Finance Business Partner

From the advert

Forward Education Trust
Leycroft Academy, Leycroft Avenue, Birmingham, B33 9UH

Salary: Grade G, Points 43 to 55 £44,372 - £54,745 per annum.
Contract: Permanent, Full Time (36.5 hours per week), All year round
Working Pattern: Hybrid working available with maximum 2 days per week WFH

Join Forward Education Trust as our Senior Finance Business Partner

Forward Education Trust is seeking an exceptional Senior Finance Business Partner to join our central team and play a key role in supporting the strategic and operational management of the Trust's finances.

This is an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified person, who is looking to make a meaningful difference within a values-driven organisation that is committed to improving outcomes for children and young people across our academies. Finance at this Trust is much more than just numbers - it’s about understanding what’s behind the numbers, making money work for us in the best way possible, for our children and staff.

Reporting to the Director of Finance & Operations, you will provide financial leadership across the Trust, leading on budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, compliance and financial planning. You will work closely with Headteachers, senior leaders and Trustees, providing high-quality financial insight to support effective decision-making and long-term sustainability.

About the Role

As Senior Finance Business Partner, you will:

• Lead the preparation and delivery of monthly management accounts across the Trust.
• Support budgeting, forecasting and medium-term financial planning.
• Provide strategic financial analysis using ICFP, modelling and business partnering support to school and Trust leaders.
• Support external audit activity and lead year-end preparation and statutory financial returns.
• Oversee payroll reconciliations and key balance sheet controls.

Drive the development and implementation of robust financial systems, controls and reporting processes across schools and central teams, providing the information and assurance required for the Director of Finance & Operations and Chief Executive Officer (as Accounting Officer) to discharge their responsibilities to the Trust Board.

• Oversee outsourced finance support, as necessary, including quality assurance, process design improvement and high-quality management.
• Ensure compliance with academy, charity and financial regulations.
• Contribute to Trust-wide strategic planning, growth and development initiatives.

This is a varied and influential role that combines operational finance expertise with strategic leadership and relationship management.

About You

We are looking for a highly motivated and professionally qualified person who can combine technical excellence with strong stakeholder engagement skills.

You will have:

• A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Significant experience in management accounting, budgeting and forecasting.
• Experience of year-end accounts preparation and working with auditors.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex financial information.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills.
• The confidence to provide support, challenge and advice to senior leaders.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and problem solving.

Experience within an education or academy trust setting, or a charity, would be advantageous but is not essential. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an ambitious finance professional seeking broader strategic responsibility within a developing multi-academy trust.

About Forward Education Trust

We are a well-established, financially stable multi academy trust of 6 special schools , based in and around greater Birmingham. We have ambitions to grow, and this role provides an exciting opportunity for the right person to be part of a strong finance team to support our vision. Our complex funding environment demands strong financial expertise, commercial awareness and effective partnership working. As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you will collaborate with school leaders and Central Office colleagues to ensure funding is accurately identified, secured and managed, enabling the Trust to deliver outstanding education, care and support for every child.

This role has a direct, tangible influence on our ability to achieve our core mission and values:

Empowering children and young people to live their best lives

Working together with purpose, inspiring success and nurturing potential.

Why Join Forward Education Trust?

At Forward Education Trust, we are committed to providing exceptional opportunities for our pupils and creating a collaborative and supportive environment for our staff.

We offer:

• Competitive salary.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative leadership team.
• Access to a paid-for Trust Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme.
• The opportunity to make a real impact across the Trust.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the online application form via MyNewTerm.

We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close the vacancy once a suitable field of candidates has been received.

Forward Education Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Advert closes: Monday 2 November 2026

Shortlisting: Tuesday 3 November 2026

Teams Introduction Session: Thursday 5 November

Formal Interview: Thursday 12 November2026