Head of Finance Business Partnering

About the role

The Head of Finance Business Partnering will lead the finance function for a multi‑academy education and charity trust operating on the Surrey/South London border. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Finance, the role combines strategic oversight, team leadership and hands‑on financial management across all academies.

Key responsibilities

• Deputise for the Assistant Director of Finance as required.
• Identify and intervene in high‑risk schools.
• Lead a team of Senior Finance Business Partners, reviewing monthly management accounts for all schools.
• Line‑manage staff, handling recruitment, induction, development and performance.
• Collaborate with wider finance teams to improve processes and efficiency.
• Develop and maintain benchmarking tools for academy performance comparison.
• Drive continuous improvement of debtor reporting.
• Prepare consolidated annual budgets, including income & expenditure, balance sheet, cash‑flow statements, commentary and dashboards for risk and review meetings.
• Review balance‑sheet reconciliations and raise concerns to senior finance leadership.
• Visit academies and sites to ensure smooth financial operations.
• Coordinate budget panel submissions and communicate outcomes to academies.
• Assist in treasury management, identifying short‑term funds for deposit across hub bank accounts.
• Oversee the Agency Flash report, resolving variances with finance partners and schools.
• Support the Finance Accounting team in maintaining the Financial Regulations manual and reporting financial risks.
• Present financial health updates to LGB Finance Portfolio holders and attend related meetings.
• Deliver training sessions to finance teams and office managers across the trust.
• Ensure monthly reconciliation of key accounts and address discrepancies.

Required profile

Required skills