Finance Business Partner

Hours: 37
Contract: Full Time, Term Time only plus 4 additional weeks during school holidays and 5 Inset days, Permanent
Salary: JM1, SCP28 - SCP31 £39,152 - £41,771
Actual Salary: £37,392.74 - £39,894.06
Start Date: September 2026 The Role
The Lighthouse Schools Partnership is looking for a dynamic and motivated individual to join our Finance Team as a School Finance Business Partner with effect from 1st September 2026. You will play a pivotal role in delivering a high-quality financial support service to schools, including the delivery of a service level agreement to manage schools’ high-level financial functions. You will work in close partnership with Headteachers, Governors and school finance staff to provide support, guidance and challenge on financial planning, accountability and budget appropriateness.
As a vital member of our support team, you will assist in delivering comprehensive business operations whilst also undertaking strategic, data-driven duties. This unique role involves preparing multi-year budgets, managing complex financial forecasting and building strong, effective working relationships across our Trust schools. If you are a resilient, enthusiastic individual with a strong focus on continuous service improvement and a commitment to the deliverability of quality education, we would love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities:
Act as the lead point of contact for Budget Holders, Headteachers and Local Governing Boards to provide strategic financial functions, advice and support.
Provide support and challenge to Headteachers, Governors and other stakeholders on financial planning, accountability and budget appropriateness.
Prepare and analyse multi-year budgets, ensuring that the financial information produced is as accurate as possible and consistent across the Trust.
Undertake financial forecasting for the financial year and investigate any variances to ensure school business operations run effectively.
Complete crucial monthly, annual and ad hoc reconciliations and checks, including payroll reviews, finance checklists and fixed asset registers.
Monitor income and expenditure for specific and earmarked funds, such as PE grants, SEND, pupil premium and wrap-around care.
Prepare and present clear financial information, scenarios and costings to school leadership and Trustees, including during periods of change management.
Provide tailored support, guidance and training on financial systems and processes for staff in schools joining the Trust to ensure compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook.
We can offer you:A fabulous working environment with children who really want to learn.
A friendly and successful school.
A growing school with dedicated and hard-working staff.
A positive learning environment.
Supportive staff, governors, parents and community.
Collaborative working within our Trust community to support our endeavours to work smarter.
Excellent CPD opportunities.
Access to wellbeing support.
24-hour confidential helpline and counselling.
Healthcare cash plan.
Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle Scheme .
Discount retail platform with access to hundreds of discounts.
The Trust:The Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP) is a Multi-Academy Trust which has experienced rapid growth since it started in 2016. There are currently 30 schools in the Trust.
The Lighthouse Schools Partnership is cross-phase and includes Infant, Junior, Primary and Secondary schools. The Trust is a mixed MAT and includes both non-denominational and Church of England schools.
We encourage you to browse our website for more information about the Trust: Lighthouse Schools Partnership - Home Closing Date: Monday 22 June 2026
Interview Date: 25 June 2026
Early applications are encouraged. The school reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date of the advertisement, should the School be able to identify an appropriate candidate.