Interim Finance Business Partner - Education in Manchester

The Opportunity

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Interim Finance Business Partner – Education to support a local authority during a busy period.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded finance professional with strong local government experience and a proven background in supporting Education and Children's Services budgets.

You will play a key role in providing financial insight, challenging budget assumptions and supporting senior stakeholders with effective financial planning and decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial support and business partnering to Education and Children's Services.

• Manage and monitor complex education budgets, identifying financial risks and opportunities.

• Lead on budget forecasting, financial reporting and variance analysis.

• Support Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) monitoring, including High Needs Block pressures.

• Work closely with budget holders, service directors and senior leadership teams.

• Support the development of financial recovery plans and savings initiatives.

• Provide financial advice on SEND expenditure, school funding and education-related services.

• Prepare financial reports and recommendations for senior management.

• Ensure compliance with local government financial regulations and reporting requirements.

Essential Experience

• Proven experience as a Finance Business Partner within local government.

• Strong understanding of Education and/or Children's Services finance.

• Knowledge of DSG, SEND and High Needs Block funding.

• Experience managing complex budgets and challenging senior stakeholders.

• Excellent financial modelling, forecasting and analytical skills.

• Ability to hit the ground running in a fast-paced interim environment.

• CCAB qualified, CIMA qualified or qualified by relevant experience.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive interim day rate.

• Flexible / hybrid working arrangements.

• Opportunity to make an immediate impact within a local authority.

• Exposure to high-profile education finance challenges.

Apply Now

If you're an experienced Interim Finance Business Partner with a strong background in Education Finance, DSG or SEND, we'd love to hear from you.