Finance Business Partner

 Why join Northchild

At Northchild, finance is not a back-office function. It is a strategic partner, a commercial enabler and a trusted voice at the decision-making table.

As Finance Business Partner for the University of Portsmouth London Campus, you will sit at the heart of the organisation, working directly with executive leadership to shape financial strategy, influence investment decisions and support sustainable growth in a high-profile education partnership.

This role offers a rare combination of senior stakeholder access, genuine autonomy and visible impact. You will have the freedom to challenge, innovate and improve, supported by a leadership team that values financial insight and commercial thinking.

If you are a qualified finance professional who wants more than routine reporting, and is motivated by influence, variety and purpose, this role offers a compelling next step.

The opportunity

This is a senior, hands-on Finance Business Partner role with real breadth and influence. You will combine robust management accounting with forward-looking analysis, commercial insight and strategic planning.

Working closely with the Campus COO, the Northchild Head of Finance and Heads of Department, you will act as a trusted adviser, translating financial data into clear insight that supports confident decision-making at both operational and board level.

You will own the budgeting and forecasting cycle, lead management reporting, develop financial models and business cases, and play a key role in evaluating new initiatives and partnership opportunities.

What you will be responsible for

Strategic finance, planning and analysis

• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning for the campus.
• Deliver high-quality financial analysis, scenario modelling and business cases to support strategic decisions.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities early, providing clear recommendations to senior leaders.
• Support long-term sustainability and growth through data-driven insight.

Management accounting and stakeholder partnering

• Produce and enhance monthly management accounts and performance reports.
• Partner with Heads of Department to review performance, challenge assumptions and drive corrective action.
• Translate complex financial information into practical, accessible insight for non-finance colleagues.
• Present clear financial narratives to executive and board-level stakeholders.

Commercial and partnership finance

• Act as the primary finance interface between Northchild and University of Portsmouth finance teams.
• Apply strong commercial judgement to revenue optimisation, cost efficiency and resource allocation.
• Support financial evaluation of new programmes, commercial opportunities and partnership proposals.

Systems, reporting and process improvement

• Develop and maintain advanced financial models, dashboards and analytical tools.
• Drive automation and continuous improvement across finance processes.
• Use advanced Excel and BI tools to enhance reporting and decision-making.
• Maximise the value of integrated finance systems and data sources.

Leadership and oversight

• Line-manage the Accounts Assistant, ensuring accuracy, compliance and continuous improvement in transactional finance.

About you

You will be a confident, commercially minded finance professional who enjoys working close to the business and influencing outcomes.

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Proven competency and experience in management accounting, budgeting, planning and analysis.
• Strong ability to turn complex financial data into clear, actionable insight.
• Proven experience partnering with senior stakeholders and non-financial colleagues.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills, with strong systems capability.
• Proactive, solutions-focused and comfortable challenging constructively.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative working style.

Desirable

• Experience in higher education or a complex, regulated environment.
• Experience driving process improvement or finance transformation.
• Experience using Power BI, TM1 or similar analytics tools.

What Northchild offers you

• Direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making.
• A role with genuine autonomy, influence and visibility.
• The opportunity to shape and improve finance processes, not just maintain them.
• A collaborative, values-driven culture that respects professional judgement.
• Competitive salary and flexibility once operational needs allow.
• The chance to contribute to education outcomes with real social impact.

Application Process:

Please submit your CV along with a covering letter explaining why you are a strong fit for this role.

If you require the application process in an alternative format (for example, large print or phone application), please let us know and we will be happy to accommodate. 

We are a Disability Confident employer and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

At Northchild Education, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We actively encourage applications from all sections of the community and are dedicated to eliminating discrimination through fair and supportive policies and practices. Our goal is to create a vibrant academic community that reflects the diversity of society and enables all staff and students to achieve their full potential

Ready to take the next step?

If you are looking for a Finance Business Partner role where your insight will be heard, your expertise will be valued and your work will make a visible difference, we would like to hear from you.

Apply by 23 January 2026 to be considered. Early applications are encouraged, as interviews will take place on 29/30 January 2026

This is a standout opportunity for a finance professional who wants to operate at a strategic level and be part of an ambitious, forward-thinking organisation.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team at talent@northchild.com