Finance Business Partner

Robertson Bell are recruiting for a Finance Manager on behalf of a well-established education institution based in Kent. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional to join a high-performing central finance team, supporting a portfolio of schools with financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and stakeholder engagement.

This role offers a blend of strategic and operational responsibilities, providing financial leadership and support across multiple schools while working closely with Headteachers and senior stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:
• Produce accurate and meaningful monthly management accounts for a portfolio of schools
• Prepare and post journals, accruals, prepayments, and other month-end adjustments
• Analyse budget versus actual performance and investigate variances
• Produce clear and concise financial reports for Headteachers and senior stakeholders
• Lead on budget setting and financial forecasting, including three and five-year financial plans
• Utilise Integrated Curriculum and Financial Planning (ICFP) tools to support financial decision-making
• Support year-end processes, audit preparation, and resolution of audit queries
• Monitor financial performance and provide proactive financial advice to schools
• Oversee Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable processes, ensuring effective financial controls are maintained
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders across multiple schools and support effective financial management

The Successful Candidate:
• Proven experience producing monthly management accounts from start to finish
• Strong understanding of journals, accruals, prepayments, forecasts, and budget management
• Experience managing multiple cost centres, business units, schools, or departments simultaneously
• Ability to analyse financial information and confidently challenge or investigate anomalies
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present financial information to non-finance stakeholders
• Experience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong Excel skills and confidence working within process-driven finance functions
• Previous experience within the education sector would be highly desirable
• Experience with IRIS Financials (PSF) and/or Access Budgeting would be advantageous

What's on Offer:
• Hybrid working arrangement with two days working from home
• Opportunity to join a respected education institution
• Excellent pension scheme and employee benefits package
• Professional development and long-term career progression opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative finance team environment
• Free on-site parking and employee wellbeing initiatives

This is an ideal opportunity for a proactive finance professional who enjoys working across multiple stakeholders, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and can confidently manage competing priorities while delivering high-quality financial information and support.