Job description
We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.
We're on a mission to give our colleagues an amazing work/life balance! We are trailing the four day working week, get paid 100% for 80%!
JOB TITLE: Finance Business Partner
LOCATION: Bolton (Hybrid)
SALARY: up to £60,000 per annum
HOURS: Mon-Fri, 37.5 hours
JOB PURPOSE:
Providing high-quality financial planning, analysis and reporting to the finance leadership and operational teams to drive business performance, foster understanding and support growth. Be a trusted and valued Finance Business Partner to senior management, providing strategic financial insight to drive growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Financial performance:
* Lead month-end reporting and analysis to Operational leaders, delivering clear and accurate financial results in a timely manner.
* Analyse monthly financial results prepared by the accounting team to highlight and comment on key variances to budget or forecast.
* Collaborate with and support stakeholders to understand, track and analyse site financial performance, building rapport and holding them accountable for budget targets.
* Ensure that financial KPIs for relevant divisions are clearly and accurately reported on, with key trends highlighted to support informed decision making.
* Communicate performance effectively and objectively to the business, challenging budget holders and fostering a culture of accountability.
* Ensure site leaders receive prompt and clear financial information to aid their understanding of financial results.
* Continuously review and improve the reporting processes and analysis across the FP&A and wider Finance team where appropriate.
* Work closely with the Business Intelligence team to create and distribute financial results and scorecards through systems and automation.
* Undertake any ad-hoc analysis as requested by the Head of FP&A, Operations Director, FD etc.
Budget and Forecast:
* Lead the budgeting process for respective area, ensuring alignment to overall strategy and relevant analysis is provided in-line with strict Group timelines.
* Maintain a budget and forecasting financial model to ensure consistency of data across all areas, including relevant KPIs.
* Monitor performance against budgets and complete variance analysis to highlight deviations so corrective actions can be implemented.
* Support the Head of FP&A and Business Intelligence team in implementing system-driven automation for reporting, budgeting and modelling tools.
Customer service:
* Build strong relationships with senior leaders and operational teams, including relevant department heads.
* Act as the main point of contact on behalf of the wider finance team for responding to queries raised directly to the job holder.
* Demonstrate strong financial business partnering skills by:
- Providing timely delivery of monthly reports and scorecards (with support from the Business Intelligence team)
- Offering training and guidance on financial awareness to key senior leaders in operational teams as needed.
STANDARD RESPONSIBILITIES:
* There are a number of standard duties and responsibilities that all employees, irrespective of their role and level of seniority within OFG Group are expected to be familiar with and adhere to;
* Participates in an annual performance review programme
* Works, at all times, in accordance with the policies and procedures of the OFG Group and statutory regulations applicable to the Group.
* Observes, at all times, strict rules of confidentiality appropriate to the post.
* To comply at all times with the requirements of Health and Safety Regulations
* to ensure their own wellbeing and that of their colleagues.
* OFG Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all employees to work in accordance with this.
* Undertakes other duties as assigned.
EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
ESSENTIAL
* Completed a relevant accounting qualification (CIMA / ACCA / ACA etc.) or be at the final stages.
* A relevant degree (Accounting / Finance / Maths etc.) or AAT qualification.
* Hold advanced Excel skills – data manipulation (including extraction from financial ledgers), analytical and presentation skills at a level suitable for Senior Manager review.
* Proven ability to influence financial outcomes and work closely with operational managers.
* Ability to present complex data and analysis in a high impact visual manner to senior stakeholders, drawing out the key messages and findings.
* Relevant management accounting experience.
About the Group
Outcomes First Group is the leading provider of specialist education in the UK. We exist to give neurodivergent children and young people access to a great education that caters to their specific needs, abilities and aspirations.
There are three brands in our Outcomes First family: Acorn Education, Options Autism and Momenta Connect. Together, we educate, care for and support children, young people, and adults across the UK, empowering them to be happy and make their way in the world.
Our Vision
We believe that with a great education, every neurodivergent pupil can thrive and make their way in the world.
Our Mission
Every day we improve the lives of our pupils, their families, and local communities through a relentless focus on wellbeing and learning.
Our Promise
*We are kind to ourselves and each other…We work together… and we make things happen. *Our Promise sits alongside our Vision and Mission. It describes the sort of people we are and our commitment to how we treat each other, work together, and behave.
It represents what’s truly important to us as individuals and as a team. It is easily translatable into behaviors we all practice and experience every day. It's the golden thread that runs through every leader, team and individual.
Why work for us?
Your wellbeing is very important to us, and we know that being able to choose the benefits that suit you and your family will support your wellbeing.
* And when your circumstances change‿no problem. You can flex, trade, and add to your benefits package to suit your circumstances.
* Holidays start at 25 days per annum plus bank holidays on top with options to buy an additional 5 days.
* Critical illness covers and life assurance options.
* Company Pension with options to increase your contributions.
* Private medical and dental Insurance
* 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
* Eco-Car Scheme
* “Your Wellbeing Matters- access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
* Career development opportunities
* Professional support networks and groups
* Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
* * 4-Day working week - ‘rest-day’ could be any day Mon-Fri (agreed with Manager), available after successful completion of probationary period for full-time workers only
We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit*