Senior Finance Business Partner

About the role: Senior Finance Business Partner Activate Learning is seeking a proactive and commercially minded Senior Finance Business Partner to join our well-established Finance team, based at either our Oxford or Reading campuses. As a key member of the Group Finance function, you will work closely with leaders across our Further Education and Group Services divisions, providing high-quality financial insight, analysis, and strategic support. You will play a critical role in enabling informed decision-making, driving financial performance, and supporting the delivery of our organisational objectives. In this influential and multifaceted position, you will partner with senior stakeholders to help them achieve their financial and business targets. You will lead on the preparation of accurate monthly management reports, carry out detailed financial analysis, and identify opportunities to improve both financial outcomes and operational efficiency. You will support the business planning and budgeting processes, focusing on key risks and ensuring Group deadlines and requirements are met. You will also streamline financial processes where needed, support organisational change initiatives, and contribute to the development of robust financial controls and commercial awareness across the organisation. There is also a leadership element to the role, as you will line manage a Finance Business Partner and deputise for the Group FP&A Manager when required. This is a full-time position (37 hours per week) with a hybrid working model- on-site at either Oxford or Reading, with occasional travel to other campuses. What do you need to be successful in this Senior Finance Business Partner role? To thrive in this role, you'll bring strong financial management expertise and a proven track record in business partnering. You'll be confident analysing complex data, communicating clearly, and influencing stakeholders effectively. Leadership ability, sound problem-solving skills, and the capacity to provide clear financial insight are essential. Advanced Excel capability and confidence working across multiple systems are required, while experience in the education sector is an advantage. A recognised accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) or substantial relevant experience. Extensive finance experience, ideally within business partnering or commercial finance. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data from multiple systems; advanced Excel and financial modelling expertise. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and influence stakeholders at all levels. Proven experience leading and developing staff, driving process improvements, and solving complex problems; education sector experience is desirable. Who we are Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning. We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish. When you work for Activate Learning, you're working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone. Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself. Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy. Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents. Learning and Development: continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team. Teaching Support: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff. Pension Schemes: Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for AL staff Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave Flexible Working: Options include hybrid and remote, term time only, and flexible working patterns. Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers. On-Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access. For a comprehensive list of all of our benefits please visit our work-with-us/employee-benefits Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity; closed vacancies will prevent application form submission. Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts. Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions. Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK, we do not sponsor work permits. Work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK. Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly. Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning, have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL. #J-18808-Ljbffr