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.