2 jobs found

Interim Lead Finance Business Partner (Education) A Local Authority is seeking a highly capable Lead Finance Business Partner to provide senior-level financial leadership, strategic support and business partnering across one of its key Directorates on an Interim basis. You will act as the lead point of contact for senior managers within the Directorate, providing expert financial insight, challenge, and advice while coordinating a finance team supporting revenue, capital and transformation activities. What's on offer Day rate: 430 - 600 per day Hybrid working Full-time 36 Hours Initial contract: 3 - 6 Months About the role As Lead Finance Business Partner, you will work alongside Senior Management and budget managers to deliver strategic financial support across a complex service division. You will translate complex financial information to non-finance stakeholders, challenge service leads constructively, and ensure the Directorate meets all financial policies, statutory requirements and Standing Orders. You will manage up to 5 direct reports and up to 10 indirect reports , ensuring the team delivers accurate, timely and high-quality financial information across the Directorate. Key Responsibilities Provide strategic financial advice and direction to Senior Management, Members, and key stakeholders across the Directorate. Lead financial planning, forecasting and the development of medium-term financial strategies. Coordinate and performance-manage a service finance team, supporting workforce planning and capability development. Support delivery of cost-reduction plans, efficiency programmes and cross-cutting transformation initiatives. Analyse complex financial issues and provide clear, actionable recommendations to senior leaders. Ensure statutory and regulatory accounting requirements are met and legislative changes are incorporated. Act as the lead finance contact for one or more service divisions and manage technically complex budget areas. Deputise for the Finance Manager at SMT meetings, Member briefings and strategic discussions. Maintain strong financial governance, ensuring compliance with Standing Orders, policies and regulations. About you Essential Qualifications & Experience Fully qualified CCAB accountant (CIPFA/ACCA/ACA/CIMA). Experience within a large and complex public-sector organisation , ideally local government. Proven leadership experience managing small finance teams. Strong understanding of local authority financial frameworks, statutory requirements and annual financial cycles. Track record of delivering financial strategies, managing significant budgets and supporting senior decision-making. Experience in transformation, change programmes and cross-departmental financial projects. Skills & Competencies Strong analytical skills and ability to simplify complex financial information. Advanced technical financial skills such as financial modelling, options appraisal and investment appraisal. Ability to influence senior stakeholders and provide constructive challenge. Skilled communicator with the confidence to present to senior officers and elected Members. A proactive, solution-focused leader who builds strong relationships across Directorates. Why this role matters This is a senior, high-impact business partnering position supporting key services at a time of significant strategic and financial pressure. Your leadership will directly influence financial sustainability, operational performance and transformation delivery across the Directorate. How to apply Once your CV is received, shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you are not contacted, please assume you have not been successful on this occasion. About Spencer Clarke Group We connect exceptional finance professionals with high-impact opportunities. When you join us, you receive: Access to leading interim and permanent roles Free DBS checks Aftercare support Loyalty rewards and competitions We also offer a 300 referral bonus , so if you know someone who may be suitable, ask them to email their CV to Brad at and include your details. INDSCGBR

Interim Finance Manager Featherstone - £50-55k 6 months OverviewWe are seeking a proactive and commercially astute Finance Manager to join a dynamic Multi Academy Trust. This role is pivotal in supporting the financial operations of multiple schools within the Trust, with a particular focus on business partnering, stakeholder engagement, and strategic financial oversight.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Management & Reporting Lead the financial management of the Trust's lead school, overseeing a budget of approximately £5 million. Initially responsible for the finances of two smaller schools, with scope to expand across the Trust. Prepare and present monthly management accounts, including detailed commentaries and variance analysis. Develop and maintain robust forecasting models and annual budgets in collaboration with school leadership teams. Ensure timely and accurate VAT returns and compliance with HMRC regulations. Maintain strong balance sheet controls, including reconciliations and financial integrity checks. Project Finance Oversee financial planning, monitoring, and reporting for capital projects, including a £3 million building works programme across two schools. Liaise with contractors, project managers, and internal stakeholders to ensure financial accountability and value for money. Business Partnering & Stakeholder Engagement Act as a trusted advisor to Headteachers, Deputy Heads, and senior leadership teams, providing financial insights to support decision-making. Monitor and advise on discretionary spending by school leaders, ensuring alignment with regulatory frameworks and internal policies. Build strong relationships across the Trust to promote financial awareness and accountability. Audit & Compliance Lead the year-end audit process, preparing schedules, liaising with external auditors, and ensuring statutory compliance. Support the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures across the Trust. Person SpecificationEssential Proven experience in a finance role within education, public sector, or a similarly regulated environment. Strong understanding of budget management, forecasting, and financial reporting. Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple sites. Experience with capital project finance and audit preparation. Desirable Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA). Experience within a Multi Academy Trust or school finance environment. Knowledge of academy financial regulations and ESFA reporting requirements. #