Hours: 15 hours per week – to be worked over 3 days, including Tuesdays. Other working days can be flexible.
Contract: Part Time, Term Time only plus 4 additional weeks during school holidays and 5 Inset days, Permanent
Salary: JM1, SCP28 to SCP31, £39,152 - £41,771
Actual Salary: £15,159.22 - £16,173.27
We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual to join our Finance Team as Finance Business Partner. Finance Business Partners work as part of the Finance Team to deliver a financial support service to schools, including the delivery of a service level agreement to manage schools’ high level financial functions.
To undertake this role successfully you will need to be totally committed to the provision of a high-quality service to schools. You will have experience of financial planning and forecasting for schools and of supporting and challenging Headteachers and Governing Bodies. You will be innovative with a strong focus on continuous service improvement. You will need to build and maintain strong and effective working relationships.
If you think that you have the skills and enthusiasm to carry out this role, we would love to hear from you. There is also the potential for an increase in hours in the future for the right candidate.
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 June 2026
Interview Date: Thursday 2 July 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.
The Lighthouse Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all in its community to share this commitment. Suitability to work with children and young people will form part of the selection process. As part of the shortlisting process an online search will be carried out. All appointments will be subject to vetting, including an enhanced DBS check.
A copy of our Safeguarding Policy can be found on the Trust website.
We are also committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups.