Interim Finance Business Partner in London - Robertson Bell

A large and progressive education group supporting over 30 academies nationally is seeking a fully remote Finance Business Partner to join its established finance team. The organisation has recently undergone senior leadership change and is delivering a significant transformation programme across finance, systems and operations, alongside continued growth.

A refreshed business partnering model has been introduced to strengthen collaboration between finance and school leadership, supported by new financial systems and improved forecasting capability.

The Role

This is a strategic yet hands-on Finance Business Partner position supporting a portfolio of schools. Acting as a trusted advisor to Headteachers and senior leaders, you will play a central role in strengthening financial planning and oversight.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading budget setting, reforecasting and variance analysis across your portfolio
• Providing clear financial insight to inform operational and strategic decision-making
• Attending leadership meetings to present financial performance and commentary
• Overseeing payroll, reconciliations and cost monitoring to ensure strong financial control
• Translating complex financial information into accessible guidance for non-finance stakeholders
• Working closely with on-site finance staff to embed robust processes and reporting standards

The Person

The successful candidate will:

• Be a fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA / CIPFA)
• Have substantial experience within the education sector — this is essential
• Demonstrate strong business partnering capability within a Multi Academy Trust or similar setting
• Be confident influencing senior stakeholders with varying levels of financial expertise
• Combine strong technical skills with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach
• Be comfortable operating autonomously in a fully remote environment

This is a high-visibility role within a well-structured finance function, offering genuine scope to shape how finance supports educational delivery while contributing to a wider transformation agenda.