At a Glance
- Tasks: Support executive decision-making and enhance financial transparency in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a large global business with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and high visibility within the organisation.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performing team with excellent career development prospects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving automation and modern finance strategies.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong finance business partnering experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70089 £ per year.
Reporting to the Global Head of Employee Costs, this is a high visibility role supporting executive level decision making, improving transparency, and strengthening financial discipline. Working closely with the CFO, CTO, CHRO, CIO and other functions.
In parallel, the role leads the strategy for automation within the people cost finance team, helping modernise processes, enhance data quality, and reduce reliance on manual, fragmented activity — enabling Finance to operate at pace and at scale.
Key accountabilities:- Act as a trusted finance partner to senior leaders across central functions, providing clear financial insight and constructive challenge.
- Support function leads with robust finance input into workforce planning, operating model decisions and initiatives.
- Present complex people cost information in a clear, executive ready way to support timely and well-informed decisions.
- Run the Annual Plan and Forecasting process, reviews and governance sign offs.
- Lead the finance input to people cost budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning across the enterprise.
- Develop insight into key cost drivers including headcount, pay, incentives, benefits, and workforce mix.
- Monitor performance against plan, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and support corrective actions.
- Ensure consistency, comparability, and transparency of people cost information across the organisation.
- Define and drive the automation strategy for people cost finance activities, aligned with Finance Transformation priorities.
- Identify opportunities to streamline and automate processes such as headcount reporting, forecasting updates, and management reporting.
- Work in partnership with HR Systems, Finance Systems, and finance change teams to develop practical, sustainable solutions.
- Improve data accuracy, control, and efficiency while reducing manual effort and operational risk.
- Act as a sponsor for continuous improvement and modern finance capability within the people cost area.
- Lead through influence, credibility, and expertise rather than formal authority.
- Build strong, collaborative relationships across Finance, HR, and Technology.
- Support the Global Head of Employee Costs in shaping enterprise-wide people cost strategy and standards.
- Champion a more data-led, efficient, and forward-looking approach to people cost management.
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Strong Finance business partnering experience in a complex organisation.
- Strong understanding of people costs and workforce-related financial drivers.
- Experience leading or contributing to finance automation or process improvement initiatives.
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders and influencing at executive level.
- Working knowledge of Workday, Power BI and Adaptive.
- Experience partnering closely with HR, IT and Finance functions.
- Exposure to finance or enterprise transformation programmes.
- Power user of BI, Workday and Adaptive.
- Strong interest in digital enablement and modern finance operating models.
What you will get in return:
- A genuinely unique opportunity to be part of an expanding large global business.
- Competitive remuneration commensurate with skills and experience.
- Training and development opportunities.
- A high level of visibility within a large organisation on an upwards trajectory.
- Being part of a high performing team with a strong team spirit.
Finance Business Partner - Cost Strategy & Performance in London employer: Apex Group Ltd
Join a dynamic and expanding global business in London as a Finance Business Partner, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping financial strategies and driving automation within the people cost finance team. Our collaborative work culture fosters strong relationships across functions, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development, while our commitment to innovation ensures that you will be at the forefront of modern finance practices. With competitive remuneration and a high level of visibility within a large organisation, this is an exceptional opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner - Cost Strategy & Performance in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Apex Group Ltd. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner - Cost Strategy & Performance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Apex Group Ltd.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Apex Group Ltd's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Apex Group Ltd
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Apex Group Ltd.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Apex Group Ltd will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Apex Group Ltd employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
