Finance Business Partner

Finance Business Partner

Reading Full-Time 42000 - 58000 Β£ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide strategic financial insights and support to commercial teams in a dynamic retail environment.
  • Company: Established business in the retail and consumer goods sector with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid working, and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Why this job: Influence key business decisions and drive performance in a high-visibility role.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in management accounting or commercial finance.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 Β£ per year.

?? Finance Business Partner
?? Β£50,000 + bonus & benefits
?? Kent – Hybrid
?? Permanent

We\’re partnering with a well-established business in the retail and consumer goods sector to find an experienced finance professional who can provide strategic insight, challenge the status quo, and drive performance across key commercial functions.

This is a high-visibility role that works closely with Commercial Directors, Procurement Teams, and Senior Finance leadership, offering genuine influence over business decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Act as a proactive business partner to commercial teams, providing financial insight, support, and challenge
  • Lead the preparation and delivery of:
  • Monthly & quarterly forecasts
  • Annual budgets
  • Variance analysis and performance bridges
  • Ad-hoc commercial and margin analysis
  • Present trading performance at senior leadership and board meetings
  • Identify risks and opportunities across the commercial portfolio to support delivery of strategic goals
  • Evaluate and challenge forecast and budget assumptions, ensuring robust KPIs and financial discipline
  • Oversee margin management, consignment reconciliation, foreign exchange exposure, and grower financing
  • Prepare and deliver monthly performance packs, providing clear commentary and actionable insights
  • Drive process improvements across financial controls, reporting, and commercial decision-making
  • What We\’re Looking For:

    • Qualified Accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA) with a strong background in management accounting or commercial finance
    • Proven track record partnering with non-finance stakeholders, ideally in FMCG, manufacturing, or commodity trading
    • Strong commercial acumen – able to interpret data, challenge assumptions, and influence decisions
    • Hands-on approach, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment
    • Experience with SOX compliance and strong understanding of financial controls is beneficial
    • Excellent Excel skills and confident communicator, capable of presenting financials to senior stakeholders

    Desirable Experience:

    • Background in fresh produce or food & drink sectors
    • Exposure to royalty/rebate calculations, FX management, and supply chain finance
    • Familiarity with forecasting systems and ERP platforms

    If you would like to apply for the role, please send your CV to

    JBRP1_UKTJ

    Finance Business Partner employer: Hamilton Woods

    Join a dynamic and well-established company in the retail and consumer goods sector, where your expertise as a Finance Business Partner will be valued and impactful. With a hybrid working model based in Kent, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation, alongside competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth. This role not only offers a chance to influence key business decisions but also to thrive in an environment that encourages continuous development and rewards performance.
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    Contact Detail:

    Hamilton Woods Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

    We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and retail sectors. 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 by brushing up on your commercial finance knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've driven performance and provided strategic insights in past roles. Show them you mean business!

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Use our website to find roles that excite you, and tailor your approach to each one.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.

    We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner

    Financial Insight
    Variance Analysis
    Budget Preparation
    Forecasting
    Commercial Acumen
    Stakeholder Management
    Excel Skills
    Presentation Skills
    Financial Controls
    SOX Compliance
    Process Improvement
    Adaptability
    Analytical Skills
    Communication Skills

    Some tips for your application 🫑

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in management accounting and commercial finance, and don’t forget to showcase your ability to partner with non-finance stakeholders.

    Showcase Your Skills: We want to see your Excel skills in action! Include examples of how you've used data analysis to influence decisions and drive performance. This is your chance to shine, so make it count!

    Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and how they relate to the role.

    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 Hamilton Woods

    ✨Know Your Numbers

    As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence decisions in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've tackled variance analysis or budget preparation.

    ✨Understand the Business

    Familiarise yourself with the retail and consumer goods sector, especially if you have experience in FMCG or manufacturing. Research the company’s recent performance, challenges, and opportunities. This will help you provide relevant insights during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in their business.

    ✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

    Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to challenge assumptions. Think of scenarios where you've had to present financial insights to non-financial stakeholders or drive process improvements. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

    ✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

    As this role involves presenting to senior leadership, practice articulating complex financial concepts in a clear and concise manner. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully communicated financial performance and insights in the past, ensuring you highlight your confidence and adaptability in fast-paced environments.

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