At a Glance
- Tasks: Support department heads with financial insights and management reporting.
- Company: Join a leading organisation based in Edinburgh, embracing hybrid work.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving strategic decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in business partnering and management reporting.
- Other info: This is a 6-9 month fixed-term contract offering valuable industry experience.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
W&A is partnering with a leading organisation based in Edinburgh (hybrid) to help source a Finance Business Partner for a 6-9 month fixed-term contract.
Role Purpose: To act as a key finance business partner supporting functional cost owners by providing insightful financial analysis and guidance on cost-based performance, while also taking ownership of timely, accurate, and meaningful management reporting. This role ensures effective cost control, supports strategic decision-making, and drives continuous improvement in financial processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Finance Business Partnering (Cost-Based Focus): Partner with department heads to provide financial insights and challenge on cost drivers, risks, and opportunities.
- Lead the budgeting and forecasting cycles for operating expenses, ensuring alignment with business strategy and financial targets.
- Track and analyse monthly cost performance against budget/forecast, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions.
Management Reporting:
- Prepare monthly and quarterly management reports for senior leadership that include clear narratives on cost performance, KPIs, and variance analysis.
- Consolidate and communicate financial results across functions with clear visualisation for decision-making.
- Drive improvements in reporting processes, ensuring automation, accuracy, and timeliness.
- Support the development and maintenance of financial models and reporting tools.
Key Skills & Experience:
- Qualified accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with post-qualification experience.
- Strong background in business partnering and management reporting within a large organisation.
- Solid understanding of cost accounting and financial planning processes.
- Advanced Excel.
- Excellent analytical skills and commercial acumen.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to challenge and influence.
- Experience working in a matrix environment or across multiple departments.
Finance Business Partner - 6-9 Month FTC employer: Wilkinson & Associates Ltd
Contact Detail:
Wilkinson & Associates Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner - 6-9 Month FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial metrics and KPIs relevant to the role. Understanding how these metrics impact business decisions will help you engage more effectively during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in finance business partnering roles, especially those who have experience in large organisations. They can provide insights into the challenges and expectations of the position, which can be invaluable during your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Excel skills, particularly advanced functions and data visualisation techniques. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in Excel during practical assessments or discussions can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've successfully partnered with stakeholders in the past. Highlighting your ability to influence and challenge cost drivers will showcase your suitability for the role and your understanding of the finance business partner's responsibilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner - 6-9 Month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance business partnering, management reporting, and cost analysis. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to provide financial insights and support strategic decision-making.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are interested in the Finance Business Partner role and how your qualifications align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be sure to mention your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and stakeholder management.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as being a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA), and any post-qualification experience. Emphasise your strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires strong communication and stakeholder management skills, include examples of how you've successfully influenced decisions or communicated complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders in your previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wilkinson & Associates Ltd
✨Understand the Role Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Finance Business Partner, especially in relation to cost management and reporting. Familiarise yourself with key financial concepts and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these requirements.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to provide financial insights. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed budgets, analysed costs, or improved financial processes.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role involves significant stakeholder management, be prepared to demonstrate your communication skills. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Abilities
Given the emphasis on analysis and reporting, be ready to discuss your analytical skills. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions, track performance, and recommend improvements in financial processes.