Finance Business Partner

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Finance Business Partner to join our central finance team. This is a key role focused on supporting several of our schools by providing high-quality financial insight, enabling school leaders and the Trust to make informed decisions, and ensuring long-term financial stability and value for money. This role will initially be mainly based at The Hermitage Schools. Hybrid working can be considered.

The Finance Business Partner will work closely with the CFO, Headteachers and senior leaders, supporting both strategic planning and day-to-day financial management across the Trust. In addition, they will work with the other Finance Business Managers and finance team to ensure consistency, standardization and best practice across the Trust.

Key responsibilities include:

Act as the key finance contact for the schools, building strong relationships and supporting with financial decision making.

Produce monthly financial reports and analysis.

Lead on budget planning and forecasting, including 3-year plans aligned to school and Trust priorities.

Ensure compliance with ESFA guidance, Academies Account Direction and Trust policies.

Oversee financial operations, including procurement, reconciliations and management of income streams (e.g. grants, lettings and funding).

Supervise and develop finance staff, ensuring accurate records and promoting best practice across the Trust.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has strong financial management and experience (ideally within education or public sector)
• Is confident working with senior leaders and influencing decisions
• Has excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Can build strong relationships and communicate complex financial information clearly
• Is proactive, organised, and committed to delivering high standards

We can offer you:

• A friendly, professional and committed team with a strong ethos of working together

• Clear pathways for personal development
• Training as required
• Opportunity to work with staff and leaders across 10 schools
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• A Cycle to Work Scheme

Applications should be made using the online Application Form (CVs will not be accepted).

Please note that all applications will be considered upon receipt and for an exceptional candidate an appointment may be made before the closing date. Therefore, it is recommended that if you wish to apply for this position, you do so as soon as possible.

The SWAN Trust is a multi-academy trust which incorporates 10 schools within the Woking area. The schools work closely together and aim to support each other through purposeful collaboration that enhances educational opportunities and supports improvements in the quality of learning for all our children.

All schools within The SWAN Trust warmly welcome children, families, governors, and staff from diverse backgrounds within the Woking community. The schools within The Trust aim to ensure that every child feels safe and happy in school creating a culture where they can grow and develop.