At AQA were committed to advancing education and were committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and its our people who make this happen.

Finance Business Partner

Permanent

Manchester:

Hybrid 2 days per week with Monday as an Anchor day

Bring your commercial insight to a role where finance drives strategy not just numbers.

Youll be joining a collaborative Commercial Finance team of 8 where teamwork knowledge sharing and continuous improvement are central to how we work. This isnt just another finance role. Youll be at the heart of commercial decision-making with the freedom to think creatively and the support to grow professionally.

Purpose of the Role

As Finance Business Partner youll play a key role in shaping financial strategy across AQAs Commercial Finance landscape. Youll support decision-making across our Assessment Technology division (budget over 10 million/year 150 employees) and subsidiaries (income over 40 million/year) bringing financial insight to a wide range of stakeholders. Your work will help ensure AQA delivers value and impact for learners across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Acting as the lead finance contact for key internal and external stakeholders including Assessment Technology and AQAs subsidiaries
• Providing financial planning forecasting and commercial analysis to support strategic decisions and project delivery
• Embedding yourself in cross-functional teams to influence outcomes challenge constructively and drive continuous improvement
• Youll also need to travel occasionally to other AQA business locations to support collaborative meetings with stakeholders and project teams

Youll thrive in this role if youre a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys working collaboratively and thinking beyond the numbers.

Were looking for someone who can:

• Build strong relationships and communicate financial insight to non-finance colleagues.
• Bring experience of finance business partnering in a complex fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrate a proactive can-do attitude and a willingness to challenge upwards.
• Show confidence in managing multiple priorities and influencing stakeholders.
• Hold a full accountancy qualification (CIMA ACCA ICAEW or equivalent).

Whats in It for You

• Exposure to high-impact commercial projects and strategic decision-making.
• A collaborative inclusive team culture that values your ideas and wellbeing
• Flexible working a 35-hour week and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and Christmas closure).
• A generous pension scheme with up to 11.5% employer contributions.
• Private medical insurance health cash plan EV leasing volunteering days and modern offices with gym.
• Opportunities to shape financial strategy across diverse business models and subsidiaries.
• Access to learning and development including leadership and strategic thinking.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At AQA we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyoneregardless of religion ethnicity gender identity or expression age disability sexual orientation or backgroundis valued respected and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language avoid stereotypes and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Application Process

To apply please submit your CV and a short cover letter.

Application deadline: Thursday 9th October 2025

Interviews will take place in two stages: an initial Teams interview week ending 13th October with final face-to-face interviews happening mid to late October. Offers expected to be completed by end of October 2025

Were looking forward to hearing from you

#PRO22

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

Purpose: This role is to produce high quality engaging financial reports using planning forecasting and analysis to enable the influence of decision makers to support better financial decisions and drive improved business : Working within the Commercial Finance team/ Financial Planning and Analysis team you will report to the Strategic Finance Business Partner. You will work closely with the wider Finance team members of the Assessment Technology team project management teams AQA subsidiary teams and Executive members.

Activities:
Financial Planning & Forecasting
Lead short medium and long-term financial planning forecasting and cash flow analysis with clear storytelling scenario analysis and risk/opportunity assessment.
Continuously improve in-year forecasting and performance tracking with actionable KPIs and ownership across the business.
Business Partnering & Decision Support
Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver insightful financial analysis reporting and benefits realisation for projects bids and contracts.
Influence decision-making through clear financial presentations and support standardisation of tools and self-serve reporting.
Act as a critical friend and trusted financial partner to the business providing constructive challenge to drive informed decision-making and continuous improvement
Leadership & Development
Model strong leadership provide feedback mentor team members and foster open communication to support team growth and performance.
Step in for the Strategic Commercial Finance Business Partner/ Financial Planning and Analysis Manager when needed.
Continuous Improvement & Collaboration
Promote financial awareness and process improvement across the organisation including cross-functional finance projects.
To be successful in this role you will need:
Qualification: Fully qualified accountant with a minimum of three years post qualification experience
Analytical & Critical Thinking: Exceptional ability to evaluate complex data and situations critically.
Leadership & Initiative: Demonstrates strong leadership by supporting core stakeholders and stepping into cross-functional work as needed. Proactively leads on team-wide projects and process improvements. Shares best practices and guides others to drive collective success.
Communication & Influence: Strong consulting negotiation and communication skills especially with non-finance colleagues.
Commercial & Financial Acumen: Proficient in product profitability portfolio modelling and ERP systems.
Project & Conflict Management: Skilled in managing multiple objectives and constructively handling conflict.
Autonomy & Drive: Operates independently with passion energy and a self-starting attitude.