At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance business partnering, providing strategic insights and driving performance.
- Company: Join a dynamic firm with a supportive and down-to-earth culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working environment and an excellent benefits package.
- Other info: Ideal for proactive leaders looking to drive improvement in a fast-paced 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 employer: Four Recruitment
Join our client in Preston as the Head of Finance Business Partnering, where you'll thrive in a supportive and flexible work environment that values your insights and leadership. With direct access to key decision-makers and a commitment to employee growth, this role offers you the chance to shape financial performance while mentoring a talented team in a down-to-earth culture. Enjoy an excellent benefits package and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a dynamic finance function.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Business Partnering
✨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!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by doing your homework. Research the company’s financial performance, recent news, and their strategic goals. This will help you tailor your insights and show that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely understands their business.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Finance Business Partnering. Highlight your commercial mindset and how you’ve driven performance in previous roles. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives us a chance to see your application in the best light.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance Business Partnering
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 role and be ready to discuss how they impact business performance. Prepare examples of how you've used financial insight to drive strategic decisions in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about how you can convey your approach to leading teams. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've mentored others or improved team performance. Highlight your ability to balance support with challenge to drive results.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and commercial judgement. Think through potential scenarios you might face in the role and how you would address them. This will show your proactive mindset and ability to turn challenges into opportunities.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, practice articulating your insights clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully influenced decision-making in previous roles. Demonstrating your communication skills will be key to making a strong impression.
