Finance Business Partner

We are looking for a resilient and flexible Finance Business Partner who can thrive in a busy environment, confidently managing competing demands and priorities while remaining calm and solutions focused. You will partner with a range of teams across the Ark network, including our income-generating ventures, donor-funded departments and operational functions.

You will play a key role in supporting budget holders with high-quality management information, budgeting and forecasting, helping them to understand financial performance and make informed decisions. You will also work closely with budget holders to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, while supporting the reporting and understanding of external funding.

To be successful in this role, you will combine strong Excel skills and financial expertise with the ability to communicate financial information clearly and effectively. You will be confident building strong relationships, challenging constructively and using your financial insight to support better decision-making across the Ark network.

The Finance Business Partner will report into Financial Planning Manager. This role is currently operating hybrid working in our West London Office on a permanent basis working full time.

1st round interviews will be taking place virtually w/c 5th October 2026 with 2nd round interviews taking place in person w/c 12th October 2026.

Key Responsibilities:
• Provide efficient Finance Business Partnering support to various programme teams to facilitate timely recognition of planned Income and Expenditure for effective delivery of forecasts and budgets
• Lead on month-end management accounts for the departments in Ark Schools under your remit, including posting balance sheet adjustments and producing commentary alongside reporting
• Effectively communicate the monthly finances for your specified departments with the Financial Planning Manager and Head of Central Finance
• Regular meetings with budget holders to take them through their year-to-date figures and ensure that they understand the financial position of their department, undertaking additional analysis as necessary
• Support budget holders and the Financial Planning Manager with the reforecast and budgeting processes
• Work with the Fundraising team to support the Financial Planning Manager in reporting on Network reserves and external donations ringfenced to programmes
• Lead on reporting requirements for external funders and assist the Financial Accounting team on any statutory reporting requirements for funds received
• Develop finance training materials for your departments, to ensure they are supported through forecast and budgeting processes

Key Requirements:
• Right to work in the UK
• Part-qualified or newly qualified Accountant / 1-2 years PQE
• A degree-level qualification
• Strong knowledge of budgeting and forecasting and their role in supporting effective financial decision-making
• Experience of producing and presenting finance reports
• Excellent numerical and financial skills
• Strong computer skills using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and financial databases
• Ability to communicate effectively and explain finance to non-finance professionals
• Meticulous attention to detail and capable of meeting strict deadlines
• Team player who is flexible and adapts well to change
• Ability to plan, prioritise workload ensuring service and deadlines are met