Finance Business Partner

About Wishford Education

Wishford Education is a growing, family-run group of high-quality independent schools, nurseries, and camps across southern England. Since our founding in 2011, we’ve built a reputation for excellence in education, aiming to give every child the opportunity to thrive.

Operating in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Berkshire, and Kent, the group currently comprises nine independent schools, eight day nurseries, and a range of holiday and residential camp settings. We are passionate about providing first-class education in safe, supportive, and stimulating environments.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and qualified Accountant to join our central finance team. As a Finance Business Partner, you will play a critical role in the financial operations of a number of our schools, acting as a trusted advisor to school Heads and Business Managers.

This varied and dynamic role includes ownership of termly billing processes, oversight of transactional finance, and responsibility for reporting to group consolidation. You’ll also manage finance assistants, support school integrations during acquisitions, and provide strategic financial insights to leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Management & Team Leadership

• Deputise for the Head of Financial Operations when needed

• Manage Finance Assistants and ensure timely, accurate task completion

Business Partnering

Act as the main point of contact for schools in your portfolio, supporting and overseeing:

Sales Ledger

• Oversee and ensure billing timetables are met

• Prepare/review fee illustrations and correspondence

• Ensure accurate and timely parent communications for funding eligibility

• Review debtor balances and recovery processes

• Maintain consistency and accuracy in ledger postings

Purchase Ledger

• Ensure purchase order procedures are followed

• Review and authorise payment runs per delegated authorities

• Oversee nominal coding consistency

Nominal Ledger & Reporting

• Daily bank reconciliation review

• Prepare monthly management accounts with variance analysis

• Generate reforecasts and year-end outturns

• Maintain monthly balance sheet reconciliations and fixed asset registers

• Post journals and oversee project finance where applicable

Acquisition & Systems Support

• Support integration of new schools into the group’s systems

• Assist with implementation, testing, data migration, and staff training

• Drive process improvements across the finance function

Additional Duties

• Contribute to VAT return preparation

• Provide input for external audits

• Deliver ad hoc financial analysis and reporting

Person Specification

Essential

• Qualified Accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

• Strong time management and attention to detail

• High level of accuracy under pressure

• Strong knowledge of Excel and finance systems

• Able to work independently and collaboratively

• Clear communication and interpersonal skills

Desirable

• Experience in the education sector

• Knowledge of VAT processes and compliance

Salary, Hours & Benefits

• Salary: £50,000 – £55,000 (pro rata, based on 32 hours/week)

• Contract: Year-round, part-time (32 hours/week)

• Location: Corsham Support Office with travel to schools and hybrid work flexibility

Benefits include:

• 5% employer pension contribution

• EV leasing scheme via Octopus

• Cycle to work scheme & shopping discounts

• Pro-rated paid holidays plus bank holidays

• Staff discount (means tested)

• Discretionary Christmas shutdown

• Personal accident cover at work

• Access to counselling services and fully funded apprenticeships (up to Level 7)

• Flexible and hybrid working options

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