Your new company"A leading multi-site education sector provider"Your new roleFinance Analyst - Interim - 6 Months East Midlands/East of England - (Multi-Site Role) Hybrid Working - Inside IR35 £250 - 350 per day An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Cluster Finance Analyst to provide analytical, strategic and process-focused finance support across a group of schools within a regional cluster. This role plays a key part in strengthening financial insight, consistency and efficiency across school-based finance operations, working closely with School Finance Managers and the Cluster leadership team.This is an ideal position for an experienced finance professional who enjoys improving processes, influencing best practice and driving high standards of financial management across multiple sites.What you'll need to succeedKey Responsibilities

• Financial Analysis & Insight
• Deliver detailed analysis to highlight trends, risks, variances and improvement opportunities across the cluster.
• Conduct targeted deep dives into areas such as staffing costs, procurement, outsourced services, income collection and month-end performance.
• Produce clear, evidence-based reports outlining findings, risks and recommendations for senior leadership.
• Support the development of consistent, high-quality management information across all schools.

Process & Systems Improvement

• Review and map financial workflows to identify inefficiencies, duplication and control weaknesses.
• Recommend and support implementation of streamlined processes, SOPs and templates for cluster-wide adoption.
• Support system optimisation, automation opportunities and improved use of finance tools.

Strategic Alignment Across the Cluster

• Contribute to standardising financial practices, reporting cycles and controls across schools.
• Reduce unnecessary variation while recognising genuine school-specific requirements.
• Develop cluster-wide finance guidance, templates, and toolkits.
• Support consistent approaches to budget setting, forecasting and financial monitoring.

Professional Support to School Finance Managers

• Act as a technical reference point, providing challenge, guidance and professional support.
• Share best practice and help build capability across school finance teams.
• Escalate recurring or systemic financial risks to the Director of Finance & Operations.

Compliance & Audit

• Ensure consistent application of financial policies, procedures and internal controls.
• Support audit readiness by reviewing processes and documentation.
• Identify financial or operational risks and contribute to mitigation planning.
• Assist in responding to internal and external audit findings.

Stakeholder & Cross-Cluster Engagement

• Communicate financial information clearly and effectively to non-finance managers.
• Build collaborative relationships with School Finance Managers, Heads and central teams.
• Help embed strong financial practice and support the implementation of cross-trust systems.

Qualifications

• Accountancy/Finance qualification (ACCA, CIMA or equivalent experience)

Professional Experience

• Strong background in financial analysis, management reporting or finance business partnering - Essential
• Experience improving financial processes and internal controls - Essential
• Experience supporting multiple sites or teams - Desirable
• Advanced Excel and strong Microsoft Office skills - Essential
• Strong budgetary and financial management skills - Essential

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and present clear conclusions - Essential
• Strong problem-solving ability with sound judgement and a solution-focused mindset - Essential
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines - Essential
• Commitment to continuous professional development - Desirable
• Confident communicator with the ability to challenge constructively and build trust across teams.

What you'll get in returnFlexible working options available.What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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