At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Sales team with strategic financial insights and decision-making.
- Company: Join Focus Group, a fast-growing tech company valued at $1bn, serving over 30,000 customers.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, equity options, and a hybrid work model.
- Other info: Recognised as one of the UK's best companies to work for, with a focus on inclusivity.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performing culture that values collaboration and innovation.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills, knowledge of ARR metrics, and experience in financial modelling required.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 85000 £ per year.
Finance Business Partner (Sales)
£80,000
Shoreham-by-Sea or Manchester
Hybrid (2 days in office)
Job Purpose
The Finance Business Partner is a commercially focused finance professional who acts as a trusted advisor to business unit leadership.
This is not a traditional finance reporting role: the successful candidate will be embedded in the business, driving commercial outcomes, challenging decisions with financial insight, and proactively shaping strategy through rigorous analysis and modelling.
The role requires someone who is commercially astute, technically strong in financial modelling, and capable of creating tangible, measurable impact in the areas of the business they support.
Principle Responsibilities / Duties
Commercial partnering
- Act as a trusted commercial advisor to business unit leaders, embedding finance thinking into decisions at the point they are made, not after the fact
- Challenge and shape business strategy with a commercial lens, contributing to leadership discussions as an equal voice rather than a back-office function
- Identify and quantify opportunities for revenue growth, margin improvement, and cost optimisation across the business unit
- Own the business case process end-to-end, from shaping the initial ask through to post-investment review
Financial modelling and snowballs
- Build and maintain dynamic financial ARR models that explain variance and forecast outcomes across multiple periods
- Produce rolling reforecasts that reflect real trading conditions, not simply adjusted budgets
- Model the full P&L and cash flow impact of commercial initiatives from revenue to cash, stress-testing assumptions and presenting sensitivity ranges rather than point estimates
- Translate complex model outputs into clear, accessible narratives for non-finance stakeholders
- Continuously improve modelling tools and approaches, bringing creative solutions to analytical challenges
Planning and performance management
- Lead the annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting cycle for the business unit, working collaboratively across functions
- Design and maintain management information packs that actively drive decision-making, not just report on historical performance
- Track KPIs against plan, flag underperformance early, and recommend credible corrective actions
- Ensure financial plans are tightly linked to commercial and operational activity, with clear accountability for delivery
Insight and proactive support
- Proactively surface insights from financial and operational data; bringing forward analysis before being asked, and flagging risks before they crystallise
- Drive commercial awareness across the business unit through coaching, clear communication, and making financial data accessible
- Collaborate with central finance on month-end close, consolidation, and audit requirements as needed
Essential Skills
- 3–5+ years of experience in FP&A, commercial finance, or business partnering roles
- Demonstrable track record of commercial impact — able to cite specific examples where financial input changed a business decision, improved a margin, grew revenue, or avoided a material cost, with quantified outcomes
- Highly proficient in financial ARR “snowball” / “corkscrew” / “bridge” modelling; experienced in building multi-period models that layer volume, price, mix, and efficiency movements to explain variance and inform decisions
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience operating at senior leadership level and presenting complex financial analysis in a clear, compelling way
- Proven ability to work proactively — identifying issues and opportunities without being directed, and driving initiatives forward independently
- Commercially curious with a genuine interest in how the business makes money, and the ability to connect financial data to operational reality
- Advanced Excel skills; experience with planning tools and BI platforms (e.g. Anaplan, Adaptive, Power BI, Tableau, or similar)
Desirable Skills
- Experience in a commercially driven or fast-paced sector (e.g. technology, professional services, or financial services), and/or a private equity ownership environment
- Previous exposure to P&L ownership or advisory responsibility at a business unit level
- Experience leading or contributing to business case development and post-investment reviews
- Familiarity with ERP systems and data extraction for analysis
- Professional accountancy qualification (ACA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent)
Finance Business Partner (Sales) in Shoreham-by-Sea employer: Focus Group
Focus Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within the dynamic field of cyber security. With a remote-first work culture, employees enjoy flexibility while being part of a supportive team that values innovation and collaboration. The company offers competitive salaries and a commitment to investing in its workforce, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner (Sales) in Shoreham-by-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Snowball and ARR metrics, as these are crucial for the Finance Business Partner role. Consider creating a few case studies or examples of how you've successfully used these metrics in previous roles to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the private equity sector, as experience working with PE firms is essential for this position. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about their experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your financial modelling and Excel skills, as these are vital for success in this role. You might want to take an online course or work on personal projects that require advanced Excel functions to showcase your capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in commercial business partnering during interviews. Think of specific examples where you've influenced senior stakeholders and contributed to strategic decision-making, as this will highlight your fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner (Sales) in Shoreham-by-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience with financial modelling, business partnering, and knowledge of Snowball and ARR metrics. Use specific examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to influence stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at Focus Group. Discuss how your background aligns with their needs, particularly your experience in a fast-paced environment and your collaborative approach to problem-solving.
Showcase Relevant Skills:Emphasise your proficiency in Power BI or similar visualisation tools, as well as your professional accountancy qualifications. Highlight any experience you have working with private equity firms and your ability to build relationships across various stakeholders.
Proofread and Edit:Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and free of jargon, making it easy for the hiring team to understand your qualifications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Focus Group
✨Understand the Metrics
Make sure you have a solid grasp of Snowball and ARR metrics, as these are crucial for the Finance Business Partner role. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these metrics in previous roles and how they can drive business performance.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Highlight your experience with financial modelling and Excel skills during the interview. Bring examples of complex models you've built and be ready to explain your thought process behind them.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management
Prepare to discuss your experience in influencing senior stakeholders. Share specific examples where you've successfully navigated challenging conversations or decisions, showcasing your ability to build relationships across various levels.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role requires working closely with Group Finance colleagues, illustrate your collaborative approach. Talk about times when you've worked in a team to achieve a common goal, especially in high-pressure environments.
