At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance business partnering, providing strategic insights and driving performance.
- Company: Join a dynamic firm with a focus on collaboration and growth.
- Benefits: Flexible working environment and an excellent benefits package.
- Other info: Ideal for those seeking to make a real impact in a supportive setting.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping financial decisions and mentoring a talented team.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified with strong experience in commercial finance and leadership.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Our client is looking for a Head of Finance Business Partnering to join their National Finance team in Preston. This is a senior leadership role within the Finance function, offering direct exposure to key decision-makers across the firm and the opportunity to play a central role in driving premium, consistent commercial insight, strategic decision-making and financial performance.
You'll lead the Finance Business Partnering function while remaining hands-on with one of the firm's three lines of business, acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders. Reporting to one of the National Finance Partners, you will deliver clear, high-quality financial insight that shapes decisions and drives performance. The role combines direct ownership of a major business area with leadership of the wider partnering team - setting the standard for insight, challenge and support. Working closely with the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, you will also ensure reporting and analysis is aligned, consistent and supports the delivery of practical, decision-ready insight.
Key Duties:
- Acting as a trusted commercial advisor to senior stakeholders, providing clear, timely insight that shapes decisions and drives performance.
- Leading from the front as the finance partner to a major line of business, translating financial and operational performance into simple, actionable recommendations.
- Driving high-quality planning, forecasting and performance management, ensuring a strong forward-looking view of risks and opportunities.
- Providing commercial challenge and support on strategic initiatives, acting as a sounding board and identifying risks and opportunities early.
- Embedding a consistent business partnering approach across the firm, setting standards for insight, communication and stakeholder engagement.
- Establishing effective performance review processes, ensuring the right balance of support and challenge to drive accountability and results.
- Working closely with FP&A and central finance teams to deliver a joined-up, high-quality finance service, with aligned insight and reporting.
Experience Required:
- Professionally qualified (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with strong post-qualification experience.
- Proven track record in commercial finance and business partnering, supporting senior stakeholders.
- Strong commercial mindset, with a clear understanding of how financial insight drives business performance and decision-making.
- Strong commercial judgement, able to translate data into clear, actionable insight.
- Credible and confident communicator, able to influence and challenge at Partner and Director level.
- Experience leading and developing teams, with a focus on raising capability and standards.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to turn data into decision-ready outputs.
- Highly organised and resilient, able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proactive and solutions-focused, with a track record of driving improvement and change.
- Ideally you will have a background in Practice within a mid-tier firm or will have significant experience within professional services.
Our client is looking for an inspirational leader who can mentor the existing team in what is a really down to earth environment. Our client offers a flexible supportive working environment along with an excellent benefits package.
Head of Finance Business Partnering in Blackburn employer: Four Recruitment
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work culture in Preston that fosters professional growth and development. As the Head of Finance Business Partnering, you will enjoy direct access to key decision-makers while leading a talented team in a collaborative environment that values insight and innovation. With a comprehensive benefits package and a commitment to flexibility, this role provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Business Partnering in Blackburn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the finance industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its financial performance, and think about how your skills can directly impact their business. Be ready to discuss how you can provide clear, actionable insights that drive performance – just like the role requires!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When chatting with potential employers, highlight your experience in leading teams and developing talent. They’re looking for someone who can inspire and mentor others, so make sure to share examples of how you've done this in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining the team. Let’s get you that Head of Finance Business Partnering role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance Business Partnering in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Finance Business Partnering. Highlight your experience in commercial finance and business partnering, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've provided clear financial insight and driven performance in previous roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:We want to see how you turn data into actionable insights. Include examples in your application that demonstrate your strong analytical skills and how they’ve positively impacted decision-making in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Four Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance Business Partnering, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the business area you'll be overseeing. Be ready to discuss how these metrics influence decision-making and performance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, particularly in challenging situations. Highlight your approach to mentoring and developing team members, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you had to provide commercial insight or challenge strategic initiatives. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully engaged with them in the past. Share specific examples of how your insights have shaped decisions and driven performance, showcasing your communication skills.
