At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide financial oversight and strategic support for England Rugby's investments.
- Company: Join the RFU and be part of enriching lives through rugby.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a chance to impact future generations.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on inclusivity and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a difference in sports finance while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance business partnering and analysis.
Working at the RFU means being part of the ‘bigger picture’ at England Rugby: to be rooted in our purpose, which is to enrich lives, introduce more people to rugby union & develop the sport for future generations. If our purpose resonates with you, and you recognise the value that sport can bring to people’s lives, we’d love to work with you.
An opportunity has arisen for a Finance Business Partner to join our Finance team.
The role provides financial oversight for all the RFU’s investment in Rugby, from community programmes and participation initiatives through to professional rugby funding and the investment in building winning England teams. It ensures that plans, forecasts, funding commitments and governance reporting are robust, affordable and aligned to agreed priorities, helping the organisation understand where investment is delivering value and where action is required.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading monthly management information, budgeting and forecasting for designated areas.
- Preparing and presenting financial analysis for senior governance forums.
- Reviewing funding, grants and commitments.
- Driving improvements to reporting processes, financial accountability and the quality of management information.
The role works closely with the Management Accountant (Rugby) and Financial Control colleagues, while retaining ownership of business partnering insight, challenge and recommendations.
As a member of the Strategic finance team within the Finance Department, this role is responsible for providing senior finance business partnering, financial insight and commercial challenge to designated Executive leads, directors and budget holders. The role translates financial performance, risks and opportunities into clear recommendations that support prioritisation, investment decisions and delivery of the RFU’s strategic objectives.
Some key responsibilities include:
- Strategic business partnering and decision support: Own the finance business partnering relationship with designated Executive leads, directors and budget holders, translating financial performance into clear commercial insight, challenge and decision support.
- Financial analysis, planning and reporting: Lead the preparation, review and presentation of monthly management information, rolling forecasts and narrative commentary for designated areas.
- Board reporting and panel responsibilities: Prepare, review and present financial information, analysis and commentary for various Boards, committees and senior governance forums as required.
- Funding, governance and financial control boundaries: Review and challenge payments, grants and funding commitments to players, clubs and third parties to ensure they are in line with contractual obligations, approved budgets and agreed governance.
- Stakeholder engagement: Build trusted relationships with Executive leads, directors, budget holders and finance colleagues, acting as the senior finance contact for designated areas.
- System and process improvement: Identify and implement improvements to management reporting, forecasting and business partner processes.
General:
- Actively collaborate with colleagues to contribute to the development and delivery of the current strategic, business and operational plans.
- Act as an ambassador for, and promote the best interests of the RFU, including the promotion of our culture and core values – This Rose Means Everyone: Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other.
- Undertake other duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of the organisation.
Qualifications, Skills & Experience:
The skills and attributes outlined in this description are not exhaustive and we welcome candidates who can bring different relevant experiences to the role.
Essential:
- Qualified accountant (CIMA or ACA), with relevant post-qualification experience in finance business partnering, financial planning and analysis, or a comparable senior finance role.
- Strong experience of leading budgeting, forecasting, monthly management reporting and financial performance analysis.
- Proven ability to provide commercial challenge and strategic decision support to senior stakeholders.
- Experience preparing clear financial analysis, commentary and recommendations for Executive leads, Boards, committees or equivalent senior governance forums.
- Ability to build trusted relationships with senior non-finance stakeholders.
- Experience reviewing funding, grants, payments or financial commitments against budgets, agreements, governance requirements and control expectations.
- Advanced financial modelling, data analysis and reporting skills.
- Ability to demonstrate a collaborative and partnered approach to working.
Desirable:
- Proven skill of MS PowerPoint.
- Exceptional and proven level of MS Excel skills.
- Some experience on ROI would be advantageous.
- Systems experience on Oracle would be advantageous.
- Experience working in a finance role in the sports industry would be advantageous.
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If there is anything we could do to support you through your application or to provide the best environment for your interviews, including assistance or adjustment, please reach out to recruitment@rfu.com.
Finance Business Partner in Twickenham employer: England Rugby
England Rugby is an exceptional employer that champions diversity and inclusion, offering a supportive work culture where employees can thrive. With a focus on professional development and collaboration, particularly within the Inclusion and Diversity team, this role provides meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact in the community. Located in Rugby, the position offers a blend of office and remote work, ensuring flexibility while contributing to a vital mission in sports governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner in Twickenham
✨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
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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 England Rugby. 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 in Twickenham
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 England Rugby.
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 England Rugby'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 England Rugby
✨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 England Rugby.
✨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 England Rugby 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 England Rugby 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.
