<h3 id="job-specification-interim-finance-business-partner---education-sector-derby"><strong>Job Specification: Interim Finance Business Partner - Education Sector (Derby)</strong></h3><p><strong>Position Type:</strong> Interim/Contract<br /><strong>Location:</strong> Derby, UK<br /><strong>Sector:</strong> Education</p><br><br>Role Overview:<br><br><p>Our client in the education sector, based in Derby, is seeking an experienced <strong>Interim Finance Business Partner</strong> to join their team. This individual will play a pivotal role in supporting strategic decision-making processes and driving financial performance. The role requires working closely with stakeholders across the organization, providing financial expertise, analysis, and business insights, while ensuring compliance with budgetary and funding guidelines specific to the education sector.</p><br><br>Key Responsibilities:<br><br><ol><li><p><strong>Financial Analysis & Planning:</strong></p><ul><li>Monitor and analyze financial performance, ensuring budgets are effectively managed.</li><li>Provide detailed financial reporting, including variance analysis, forecasting, and trend analysis aligned with organizational goals.</li><li><strong>Stakeholder Support & Collaboration:</strong></li></ul></li><li><ul><li>Act as a trusted advisor for senior leadership teams and department heads, offering actionable insights and financial guidance.</li><li>Collaborate with non-financial stakeholders to improve understanding of financial metrics and processes within the education framework.</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Strategic Budget Management:</strong></p><ul><li>Support the development of annual budgets and multi-year financial planning, ensuring alignment with funding rules and grant expectations specific to the education sector</li><li>Proactively identify areas to optimize cost efficiency while maintaining service delivery standards.</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Compliance & Risk Management:</strong></p><ul><li>Ensure adherence to financial policies, regulations, and sector-specific compliance requirements.</li><li>Identify key financial risks and propose mitigation strategies.</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Process Improvement:</strong></p><ul><li>Evaluate and enhance financial processes, systems, and reporting frameworks to support organizational efficiency and transparency.</li></ul></li></ol><br><br>Ideal Candidate Profile:<br><br><ol><li><p><strong>Qualifications & Skills:</strong></p><ul><li>ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent professional qualification.</li><li>Proven experience as a Finance Business Partner, ideally within the education sector or public organizations.</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Sector Knowledge:</strong></p><ul><li>Strong understanding of the financial regulations and funding mechanisms in the education sector.</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Technical Expertise:</strong></p><ul><li>Proficiency in financial modeling, analysis tools, and advanced Excel skills.</li><li>Familiarity with finance systems used within the education industry (e.g., SIMS, PS Financials, or similar).</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Soft Skills:</strong></p><ul><li>Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.</li><li>Problem-solving mindset, with the ability to analyze complex data and present clear recommendations.</li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Experience:</strong></p><ul><li>Prior interim or project-based roles demonstrating adaptability and success in delivering impactful results under time constraints.</li></ul></li></ol><br><br>Additional Information:<br><br><p><strong>Contract Length:</strong> 3 Months<br /><strong>Start Date:</strong> ASAP<br /><strong>Reports To:</strong> Head of Finance<br /><strong>Working Arrangement:</strong> Hybrid (on-site in Derby with some remote flexibility)</p><br><br>Benefits of the Role:<br><br><ul><li>Exposure to strategic financial initiatives within a dynamic education-focused organization.</li><li>Opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside a collaborative leadership team.</li></ul><p>This interim position is ideal for individuals seeking to actively contribute to an organization making a difference in education. Please contact us if you are interested or require further details!</p><p>Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.</p><img src="https://counter.adcourier.com/SmF5LkJob2phbmkuMDA4NzguMTA5MjNAcmhpLmFwbGl0cmFrLmNvbQ.gif">
<p>An experienced and commercially astute Head of Financial Planning & Analysis is sought to lead the financial insight and planning capabilities of this Knutsford based pharmaceutical business.</p><p>Robert Half is proud to be partnering this expanding global business in the appointment of a Head of FP&A. </p><p>The business is a leading medical communications and healthcare consultancy group, serving clients across biotech, pharma, and healthcare technology. It is due to the growth that an opportunity has arisen to lead the companies FP&A function. This role is critical to supporting strategic decision-making across the business, providing high-quality analysis, reporting, and business partnering. You will lead a team of four Finance Business Partners and own the development of financial reporting through Power BI to ensure data-driven performance management across the company.</p><p>Reporting into the Group CFO, duties will include: </p><p><strong>Strategic Planning & Forecasting </strong></p><ul><li>Lead the annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, and long-term planning processes in close collaboration with the leadership team</li><li>Align financial plans with business objectives, market dynamics, and operational drivers</li><li>Present robust analysis and recommendations to support strategic initiatives, growth opportunities, and investment decisions</li></ul><p><strong>Financial Reporting & Analysis </strong></p><ul><li>Deliver timely, accurate, and insightful management reporting across the business using Power BI dashboards and reports</li><li>Oversee analysis of revenue, margin, and cost drivers across service lines, geographies, therapeutic areas and clients</li><li>Present robust analysis and recommendations to support strategic initiatives, growth opportunities, and investment decisions</li></ul><p><strong>Business partnering </strong></p><ul><li>Lead and coach a team of 4 Finance Business Partners, supporting their engagement with senior leaders across the business</li><li>Ensure the FP&A team is an effective partner to the business, driving accountability and financial understanding.</li><li>Work closely with commercial leads to evaluate client profitability, pricing models, and project-level performance</li></ul><p><strong>Decision Support & Commercial Insight </strong></p><ul><li>Support strategic decision-making through scenario modelling, cost-benefit analysis, and ROI evaluations.</li><li>Provide financial input into new business opportunities, client proposals, and contract negotiations</li><li>Identify risks and opportunities to help drive financial performance improvement.</li><li>Where needed, support on due ad hoc diligence and reporting for current/prospective capital providers, and future transactions (e.g. M&A, refinancing and exit)</li></ul><p><strong>Team Leadership</strong></p><ul><li>Lead, mentor, and develop the FP&A team, fostering a high-performance collaborative culture </li><li>Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and support the career development of team members</li></ul><p><strong>Experience and qualifications: </strong></p><ul><li>Qualified accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with at least 5-7 years of progressive experience in FP&A roles</li><li>Experience in a people based business where most of the revenue was derived by fixed project fee billing.</li><li>Strong track record of delivering high-quality financial planning, analysis, and reporting in a dynamic environment</li><li>Proven leadership of a finance team and senior stakeholder engagement</li></ul><p><strong>Technical Skills:</strong></p><ul><li>Advanced user of Power BI with a demonstrable track record of building insightful, self-serve dashboards</li><li>Strong financial modelling and Excel capabilities</li></ul><p><strong>Personal attributes:</strong></p><ul><li>Commercial mindset with strong analytical and strategic thinking</li><li>Hands-on, detail-oriented, and willing to roll up their sleeves and drive a strong financial grip on the business with an interest in the day-to-day minutiae of the business.</li><li>Excellent communication and storytelling skills, able to translate complex financial data into actionable insights</li><li>Confident, proactive, and collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced, client-centric environment</li><li>A strong collaborator and team player able to operate at pace across the business, whilst instilling financial rigour and discipline</li><li>Ambitious, forward-looking and drives action with a solutions-oriented and improvement-focused mindset</li><li>Excellent attention to detail</li></ul><p><strong>To be considered for this role you must meet this key criteria: </strong></p><ul><li>Experienced working within a private equity backed business</li><li>Experience working within an SME- turnover of £50m-£100m</li><li>Experience working within a people business selling time for a fixed fee</li><li>Northwest based </li></ul><p>This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a forward-thinking investor backed business where you will see progression. This is a highly visible role, where you be able to add real value. Experience working in a fixed project fee billing environment is essential. </p><p>In return you will be rewarded with a market-leading salary and benefits package. Hybrid working with the requirement to be in the office 2 days per week. </p><p> </p><p>Only candidates who meet the key criteria as listed will be considered. </p><p> </p><p>Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.</p><img src="https://counter.adcourier.com/Q2F0aGVyaW5lLkhlbnJ5LjQxMDQ4LjEwOTIzQHJoaS5hcGxpdHJhay5jb20.gif">
<p>Are you a recent Finance Graduate with a strong academic background and a passion for numbers? Ready to kick-start your career in a dynamic and supportive environment? </p><ul><li>Location: Leeds City Centre</li><li>Employment Type: Full-time</li><li>Salary £26,000- £28,000 plus Competitive Benefits</li><li>Start Date: ASAP </li></ul><p>About the Role:</p><p>As an Accounts Assistant, you'll play a key role in supporting our finance operations. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a range of accounting functions while working alongside experienced professionals who will support your development.</p><p>Key Responsibilities:</p><ul><li>Assist with accounts payable and receivable processes</li><li>Reconcile bank statements and financial records</li><li>Support month-end and year-end close procedures</li><li>Maintain accurate financial documentation</li><li>Liaise with internal departments and external stakeholders</li><li>Contribute to process improvements and financial reporting</li></ul><p>About You:</p><ul><li>We're looking for someone who is: A recent Finance graduate in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related discipline (2:1 or above preferred)</li><li>Highly numerate with strong analytical skills</li><li>Proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable with financial systems</li><li>Detail-oriented, organised, and eager to learn</li><li>A team player with excellent communication skills </li></ul><p>What's on offer:</p><p> </p><ul><li>Full funding and study support for the ACCA or CIMA qualification </li><li>A vibrant and collaborative working environment</li><li>Structured training and development opportunities</li><li>Plus a range of great benefits </li></ul><p>Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.</p><img src="https://counter.adcourier.com/cmViZWNjYS5tY2xhcnR5LjQyODI4LjEwOTIzQHJoaS5hcGxpdHJhay5jb20.gif">
<p>Robert Half is partnering with a recently acquired company on the Nottingham / Derby border to hire an Interim Finance Business Partner. You'll be the hands-on link between operations, commercial teams and central finance, tightening controls, sharpening forecasts and turning data into decisions.</p><p><strong>What you'll do</strong></p><ul><li>Month end and reporting: upgrade the management reporting cycle for two divisions so it's accurate, timely and genuinely insightful. Produce divisional P&Ls, variance analysis and clear commentary.</li><li>Forecasting and budgeting: own the forecast process, covering pipeline conversion, margins, overhead recovery and production planning. Spot trends, risks and opportunities and propose practical fixes.</li><li>Project performance: review profitability, cost-to-complete and revenue recognition, ensuring it aligns with commercial terms. Keep WIP, accruals and deferred income tight and consistent.</li><li>Commercial partnering: support Project Managers and Commercial/QS teams with CVRs and regular project reviews. Challenge costs, validate variations and embed a cost-based revenue model.</li><li>Group collaboration: Help integrate a recently acquired division into group frameworks.</li><li>Controls and improvement: strengthen close processes and project accounting controls. Identify system/process improvements and roll out common tools and KPIs.</li><li>Stakeholder engagement: turn financial results into plain-English insight for non-finance leaders and act as a trusted advisor to divisional leadership.</li></ul><p><strong>About you</strong></p><ul><li>Qualified accountant (CIMA / ACCA / ACA) with solid post-qualification experience in project-led, construction or engineering environments.</li><li>Proven business partner who can bridge project delivery and service operations.</li><li>Strong analytical skills and the ability to explain complex data simply.</li><li>Practical, sleeves-rolled-up approach in fast-moving, changing settings.</li><li>Experience of integration, transformation or post-deal environments is helpful.</li><li>Advanced Excel; comfortable with ERP and project accounting systems.</li><li>Commercial mindset with a focus on outcomes and decision support.</li></ul><p><strong>Details</strong></p><ul><li>Interim assignment during a period of transformation. Minimum 6 Months</li><li>Competitive day rate</li><li>Nottingham / Derby based with 3/4 days minimum needed on site</li></ul><p>Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.</p><img src="https://counter.adcourier.com/RGFuaWVsLkdyZWVuZS4zNTY2MC4xMDkyM0ByaGkuYXBsaXRyYWsuY29t.gif">
