At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, analysis, and budgeting to support impactful decision-making.
- Company: Join Anna Freud, a leading mental health charity transforming lives for over 70 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategies that enhance mental health outcomes for children and families.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong financial analysis and business partnering skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70089 £ per year.
Salary: £60,000
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Hybrid working: 1 day per week in the office
Location: Central London (office near Kings Cross and Angel)
Anna Freud is a world-leading mental health charity for children, young people and their families. For over 70 years, we have been transforming understanding, practice and outcomes in mental health to help create a more compassionate society and close the gap between mental illness and mental wellness. We are at a pivotal moment in strengthening our financial insight, modelling capability and business partnering approach. As we continue to grow our impact, we are looking for a talented and driven finance professional to play a key role in shaping financial decision‑making across the organisation. This is an exceptional opportunity for a qualified accountant to step into a highly visible and strategic role, partnering with senior stakeholders to deliver insight that supports both operational performance and long‑term sustainability.
About the Role
Reporting to the Head of Finance, the Senior Finance Business Partner will play a central role in delivering high‑quality financial planning, modelling and analysis across the charity. You will lead on budgeting, forecasting and management reporting, while developing sophisticated financial models including scenario planning, cost recovery approaches and long‑term income and expenditure projections to support strategic decision‑making. Working closely with senior leaders and budget holders, you will provide clear, insightful analysis and act as a trusted advisor, helping teams to understand their financial performance and make informed, evidence‑based decisions. This role combines technical expertise, commercial insight and strong stakeholder engagement, with a clear focus on continuous improvement and organisational impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Planning & Analysis
- Lead the development of robust financial models, including multi‑year forecasting and scenario planning
- Provide insight into financial performance through detailed analysis of income, expenditure, margins and cost ratios
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Own and continually improve the annual budgeting and reforecasting processes
- Ensure budget holders are supported, accountable and aligned to organisational strategy
- Business Partnering
- Build strong, collaborative relationships across departments, acting as a trusted advisor and 'critical friend'
- Support non‑finance stakeholders to understand and use financial data effectively
- Continuous Improvement & Systems
- Enhance financial processes, systems and reporting tools to improve efficiency and insight
- Support the development of dashboards and data visualisation to improve decision‑making
- Contribute to ongoing improvements in financial governance and controls
About You
We are looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) who has an understanding of charity finance, with strong financial analysis and business partnering experience. You will bring:
- Proven expertise in budgeting, forecasting and management reporting
- Strong financial modelling and analytical skills, with advanced Excel capability
- The ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insight
- Confidence working with and influencing senior stakeholders
- A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset with a passion for continuous improvement
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage non‑financial audiences effectively
Senior Finance Business Partner in London employer: Cpl Life Sciences
At Anna Freud, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our Central London location offers the unique advantage of being at the heart of a vibrant community, while our hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance. We are committed to employee growth, providing opportunities for professional development and collaboration with senior leaders, making this a meaningful place to advance your career in finance while contributing to vital mental health initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner 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 Cpl Life Sciences. 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 Senior Finance Business Partner 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 Cpl Life Sciences.
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 Cpl Life Sciences'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 Cpl Life Sciences
✨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 Cpl Life Sciences.
✨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 Cpl Life Sciences 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 Cpl Life Sciences 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.
