Apprentice Finance Business Partner

Description

The job itself

Ebor Academy Trust is a values driven organisation of over 1000 staff working in 25 schools across Yorkshire and the Humber. With ambitions to grow, it is focused on creating a rewarding working environment so that our staff can deliver the best possible education for the next generation. With a staff engagement score of over 90%, our staff tell us that Ebor Academy Trust is truly a great place to work, and our low staff turnover shows that people see their time with us as a long term investment.

A rare opportunity has arisen to join our Finance function as an assistant finance business partner. This role comes with funded training to enable the right candidate to become fully CIMA or ACCA qualified while working to deliver a fully effective role within our central services team. With the support of ambitious, caring, and knowledgeable staff, you will start a career journey in an environment focused on results and on success.

Our Trust extends to East Yorkshire and Humberside, and our central operation is based in York. The role will involve supporting schools in the East of our region and attending the York office to network with colleagues in the central team. You will need to be self-motivated and able to prioritise the demands and needs of multiple stakeholders. You will be supported by the finance business manager, the finance director, and fellow finance business partners in the delivery of this exciting and demanding role.

The role specifically requires you to work with head teachers and business managers to undertake the financial management of multiple schools, developing an understanding of each school and interpreting this into meaningful financial information. You will share your financial knowledge and expertise to support our school business managers to be effective in financial administration so that they work with you to optimise the financial wellbeing of their schools.

The key tasks from the job description for this role are:

1. Use the Trust's budget forecasting software, collating and inputting accurate data and monitor the school's budget. Maintaining an up to date rolling forecast position.
2. Enter staffing information onto the Trust's Finance system reconciling the monthly payroll and transaction reports every month.
3. Produce the monthly finance report conducting variance analysis to compare forecasts against actual figures and KPI analysis benchmarked against other schools, highlighting and sharing value for money best practice within the Trust.
4. Meet, on a regular basis, with the Head and Chair of Local Governing Body to discuss the financial position of the school. If required, attendance at some governors meetings.
5. Produce an annual start budget, with the Heads & LGB's input, in line with the Trust & ESFA reporting requirements.
6. Liaise with the school's management team regarding finance information & issues. Ensuring that the school development plan is reflected in the financial forecasts and vice versa.
7. Complete year end prepayments & accruals to ensure accurate year end close down.
8. Data analysis, production & presentation of complex reports e.g. School Resource Management Tool, Pupil forecasts, value for money spend analysis.
9. Ensure compliance with the finance systems and processes and provide training when required, such as raising purchase orders and goods received notes, income records and credit card returns.
10. Keep up to date with compliance legislation for school financial management.
11. Support the implementation of financial management software and its use within the school.
12. Complete all funding applications and returns, i.e. PE grant or Lottery funding.
13. Review and balance income from central government, local authorities, parent & letting accounts including preschool and nursery, school dinners/afterschool and breakfast clubs.
14. In conjunction with the CST team, ensure schools obtain best value in relation to support contracts, systems, and services.
15. Travel to central head office to report to CST team.
16. Any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level of the post.

1. The ability to communicate effectively at all levels and to demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and discretion at all times.
2. The ability to input data and forecast accurately.
3. The ability to work with, train and develop systems and procedures.
4. Excellent interpersonal skills, including with young children.
5. Strong time management and organisational skills, with the proven ability to work remotely under pressure to given deadlines.
6. Meticulous eye for detail and accuracy.
7. Competent user of IT, including MS Office and general database and finance systems.
8. Confidence and initiative to suggest organisational improvements and implement them effectively if approved.
9. Experience of working in a school, or other environment with children.
10. Experience of working in a finance environment.
11. AAT, finance related degree, finance related A Levels or equivalent.
12. Knowledge of purchasing and procurement to achieve best value.
13. Knowledge of the education sector.
14. A good general level of education at GCSE/equivalent, including Maths and English to level C/grade 4.
15. A good standard of literacy for all written communications.
16. Computer literate with systems experience.
17. Finance knowledge, including budget forecasting and business partnering.
18. An eye for detail.