Job Introduction
Join East Durham College and Shape Financial Excellence
East Durham College is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Finance Business Partner to join our Finance team. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your career in a supportive environment, working closely with senior finance professionals and stakeholders across the organisation.
If you are passionate about finance, eager to grow your business partnering skills, and enjoy turning data into meaningful insights, we would love to hear from you.
About the Role
In this key role, you will support the Finance Business Partner in delivering high-quality financial management, reporting, and analysis. You will play a vital part in providing accurate financial information, supporting budget holders, and contributing to key decision-making across the College.
Key Responsibilities
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Assist in producing monthly management accounts and reports
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Analyse financial performance and investigate variances
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Support budget holder meetings and provide financial insight
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Contribute to forecasting, financial planning, and project costing
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Complete balance sheet reconciliations and assist with VAT returns
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Support payroll accounting and grant reconciliation processes
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Support the annual budget setting process
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Work with departments to develop financial plans
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Assist with budget uploads, phasing, and documentation
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Contribute to financial analysis to support strategic decision-making
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Build strong relationships with non-finance stakeholders
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Provide clear, accurate financial information across the College
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Ensure compliance with financial regulations and funding requirements
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Support audit processes and external reporting obligations
About you
We are looking for someone who is analytical, proactive, and ready to grow their finance career.
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Part-qualified (or studying towards) a CCAB qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA)
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Experience working within a finance function
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Strong Excel and IT skills
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Excellent analytical and numerical ability
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High attention to detail with strong organisational skills
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Ability to interpret and clearly present financial data
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Confident communicator, able to engage with non-finance stakeholders
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Experience within Further Education or the public sector
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Knowledge of funding and grant income
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Experience with reporting tools such as Power BI
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Understanding of accounting standards and financial regulations
What we're looking for
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A proactive and organised approach
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Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
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Willingness to learn and develop professionally
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A collaborative team player with high professional integrity
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35 days annual leave + Bank Holidays.
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LGPS Pension Scheme with up to 17.5% employer contributions.
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Access to a Cash Healthcare Plan.
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Heavily discounted Gym Membership.
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Enhanced Maternity/ Paternity and Adoption leave.
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3 days paid emergency leave per year.
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Various Paid and unpaid leave for other needs.
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Funded Continuous Professional Development (CPD) where appropriate.
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Onsite restaurant, Canteen and Hair and Beauty Salon.
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Free onsite parking.
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On site Nursery facilities (up to 5 yoa).
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Cycle to work scheme and much more.
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Access to free Beamish Tickets.
Now is the perfect time to become part of our fantastic team at East Durham College! With recent investments enhancing our already outstanding teaching facilities and further development on the horizon, the College offers an excellent environment for both staff and students. We take pride in providing access to education for all, offering clear pathways through various stages of learning with a strong focus on employment opportunities across the North East region. We’re also thrilled to have earned our fifth consecutive ‘GOOD’ rating from Ofsted.
East Durham College operates across three campuses, delivering a wide range of courses from general further education and A-Levels to specialist land-based and technical programs, ensuring there is something for everyone. As a team member, you’ll enjoy a generous holiday entitlement, Local Government or Teachers Pensions, free gym access (Willerby Grove Campus), free parking, and much more.
We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive community where everyone can be themselves and succeed. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join our dynamic workforce.
As part of our commitment to equality and diversity, East Durham College operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants who meet the essential criteria, as part of our status as a Disability Confident Employer.
At East Durham College, we uphold Safer Recruitment and Keeping Children Safe in Education standards. This role requires an enhanced DBS check. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Although this role is advertised as full-time, we believe that flexibility at work can promote work/life balance, increase your motivation, reduce stress and improves performance and productivity. We support different ways of working and can offer a range of flexible working arrangements. So, if you’re interested and need to work flexibly, we encourage you to apply and talk to us about what might be possible.
For more information about the College, please visit our Creating outstanding futures | East Durham College.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
