At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial data, provide insights, and support budgeting for aerospace programmes.
- Company: GKN Aerospace, a leader in innovative air travel solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent training, and a commitment to sustainability.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a cutting-edge company and make a real impact in the aerospace industry.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified accountant with experience in a large manufacturing environment.
Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities. GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet.
With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
Job Summary
Based in our thriving manufacturing centre of excellence in East Cowes, and reporting into the Senior Finance Business Partner, the Finance Business Partner (FBP) will perform financial accounting and transaction processing and provide analysis, insight and control to the finance function across actuals, forecast and budget for assigned Programmes. They will ensure that the balance sheet positions for all Programmes are carefully managed, controlled, reconciled and communicated in line with expectations.
In addition they will also be accountable for providing partnering to functions within your area of responsibility in order to drive on-site performance through the provision of robust financial information, and ensuring that the business processes to do this reflect consistent best practice.
GKN is an employer of choice, and as such we look for people who are always willing to go just that little bit extra in order to ensure the continued success of our business.
Job Responsibilities
- Preparing and booking financial data to ensure that P&L and balance sheet positions are correctly reflected in our accounts
- Providing business partnering to site based functions – providing insight, analysis and reporting according to their requirements, and supporting in interpreting and acting on financial data
- Supporting financial planning and budgeting
- Providing reporting and analysis
- Providing financial decision making support
- Ensuring that balance sheet positions are reconciled, understood, and aged or judgmental items are actioned to minimise them
- Adhering to all financial governance requirements and support internal and external audits as required
Job Qualifications
- Minimum part-qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA) with significant workplace experience gained within a large manufacturing (or very similar) environment
- Able to communicate effectively to both Financial & Non-Financial stakeholders with the ability to challenge in a professional manner when required
- Ability to prioritise work and manage expectations of others
- Proven ability to build trust and integrate well into IPTs to add value and guidance
- Experience of using integrated ERP systems
- Experience of working in a complex business environment
- Organised and results orientated
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to work with staff at all levels in the Business
- A commercial approach to problem solving while maintaining rigorous financial and personal integrity
- Ability to remain calm and focussed under pressure
We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?
A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working. Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work. We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.
We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.
Finance Business Partner in Cowes employer: GKN
GKN Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and creativity in the aerospace industry. With a strong commitment to sustainability and employee development, we provide competitive salaries, generous benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, all while being part of a diverse team that values every individual's contribution. Join us in Bristol and be at the forefront of reimagining air travel, where your expertise can truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner in Cowes
✨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 GKN. 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 Cowes
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 GKN.
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 GKN'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 GKN
✨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 GKN.
✨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 GKN 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 GKN 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.
