Job Introduction
About Horizon Care & Education
Horizon Care & Education is a leading provider of care and education services, dedicated to delivering high-quality support and learning for children and young people with additional needs. We pride ourselves on our values of compassion, excellence, integrity, and collaboration. We're seeking a finance professional who shares this passion to join our team and help shape financial strategy across operations.
The Role
The Operational Finance Business Partner will play a pivotal role in supporting Horizon's operational leadership by:
* Acting as a trusted finance partner to operational/divisional heads, helping them understand financial performance, risks, and opportunities.
* Leading monthly management accounts, forecasts, variance analysis, and ensuring timely, accurate, actionable financial reporting.
* Supporting budgeting, annual business planning and long‑term financial modelling.
* Identifying cost drivers and efficiencies, suggesting process improvements and investment priorities.
* Participating in or supporting business case preparation for new initiatives, service expansions, or projects.
* Monitoring performance KPIs across operations and advising on financial implications of operational decisions.
* Ensuring compliance with financial policies, regulatory requirements, and internal controls.
* Collaborating closely with non‑finance teams to build financial literacy and drive value‑adding behaviours.
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
* Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or equivalent), or part‑qualified with strong relevant experience.
* Solid experience in financial business partnering, ideally in care / education / social care or similar sectors.
* Track record of preparing management accounts, budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses.
* Strong analytical skills; ability to turn financial data into insights for decision making.
* Excellent communication skills: able to explain complex financial information in non‑technical terms.
* Strong Excel / financial systems skills.
Desirable Attributes:
* Experience with multiple cost centres / multi‑site operations.
* Understanding of regulatory / funding landscape in care & education.
* Prior experience in business case development.
* Exposure to project finance, cost modelling.
* Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced and changing environment.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary / remuneration package – commensurate with skills and experience.
* Hybrid working options
* Professional development opportunities.
* A supportive and mission‑driven culture, making a real difference in the lives of children and young people.