Maiden Erlegh Trust is seeking an experienced and strategic Finance Business Partner to support the financial leadership of a group of academies within the Trust. Working closely with Headteachers, senior leaders and the Chief Financial Officer, the postholder will provide high-quality financial insight, challenge and advice to support effective decision-making and long-term sustainability.

This is a key leadership role with responsibility for financial planning, budgeting, monitoring and compliance, ensuring that public funds are used efficiently, transparently and in line with Trust priorities and regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Lead financial planning, budgeting and monitoring for allocated schools, ensuring delivery of balanced budgets and long-term financial sustainability.
• Act as the strategic finance lead for schools, providing clear, evidence-based financial advice to Headteachers and senior leaders.
• Prepare medium-term (3–5 year) financial plans aligned to Trust strategy and school improvement priorities.
• Ensure compliance with Trust financial procedures, the Academies Trust Handbook, and statutory and audit requirements.
• Oversee SEN and high-needs funding arrangements, maintaining effective relationships with Local Authority finance and SEND teams.
• Ensure contracts, income streams and resources deliver value for money and support efficient use of public funds.
• Lead and support accurate monthly management accounts, financial reporting, statutory returns and audit activity.
• Line manage finance staff, promoting high standards, collaboration and continuous improvement across the finance function.
• Build strong professional relationships across the Trust and contribute to Trust-wide financial and improvement initiatives.

What we are looking for

You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent experience) with strong experience of financial management and business partnering, ideally within education, the public sector or a multi-site organisation.

You will bring:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and explain complex financial data.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with confidence to influence and advise senior leaders.
• Experience of academy funding, regulatory compliance, governance and statutory reporting.
• Knowledge of SEN/high-needs funding and local authority processes.
• The ability to manage competing priorities across multiple sites and work to deadlines.

Experience within a Multi-Academy Trust environment is highly desirable.

Why join Maiden Erlegh Trust

We offer a collaborative, Trust-wide working environment where professional expertise is valued. This role provides the opportunity to make a tangible impact on educational outcomes by ensuring strong financial stewardship, sustainability and value for money across our schools.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 750 staff and 4,500 students across nine schools,  including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference, a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning.

Benefits

·       Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.

·       Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.

·       ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day’s leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child’s sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.

·       Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff.
Colleagues can also access a range of professional development opportunities using Apprenticeship Levy funding, and benefit from professional development networks.

·       Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate.

·       Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services.

·       Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible.

·       Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more.

·       Mental Health First Aid support.

·       Recognition and Community: We regularly celebrate staff achievements, milestones and contributions across our schools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging within the #TeamMET community.

·       Employee Referral Scheme.

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information

Further information about working at Maiden Erlegh Trust can be found on our website here. Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth.

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution to the future of our Trust and its schools, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

 Applicants are encouraged to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Safeguarding and pre-employment checks

Maiden Erlegh Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and other relevant pre-employment checks. This role is classed as a leadership position and will require a Section 128 check.