At a Glance
- Tasks: Act as a financial advisor to creative teams and manage project budgets.
- Company: Join a vibrant, high-growth media business known for its disruptive campaigns.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced culture that values collaboration and creativity.
- Why this job: Be a strategic partner in a creative setting and influence impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: Fully ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with media sector experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Harper May is partnering with a vibrant, high-growth media business to recruit a commercially sharp Finance Business Partner. Known for its disruptive campaigns and global footprint, this fast-paced organisation is looking for a dynamic finance professional to embed themselves within their creative and operational divisions.
The Role
The Finance Business Partner will act as the financial co-pilot to non-finance stakeholders, including creative directors, production heads, and marketing leads. This is not a traditional back-office accounting role; it is a highly visible, strategic position focused on driving profitability, managing project/production budgets, and challenging commercial assumptions. You will translate complex numbers into strategic narratives that directly influence creative decision‐making.
Key Responsibilities
- Commercial Partnership: Act as the dedicated financial advisor to creative and operational departments, translating financial performance into actionable commercial advice.
- Project & Production FP&A: Lead the budgeting, forecasting, and tracking for high‐value media campaigns, talent acquisition, and production pipelines.
- Margin & Profitability Analysis: Deliver detailed analysis on project profitability, utilisation rates, and client ROI, identifying opportunities to maximise revenue.
- Strategic Reporting: Prepare and present sophisticated monthly commercial packs to divisional heads, highlighting variances, risks, and growth opportunities.
- Contract & Commercial Support: Assist commercial teams with pitch pricing, client contract reviews, and fee negotiations to ensure target margins are achieved.
- Process Optimisation: Refine and automate financial tracking tools and KPIs to better capture creative project delivery metrics.
Candidate Profile
- Qualifications: Fully ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified.
- Sector Expertise: Proven experience working within Media, Advertising, Entertainment, or Creative Agencies is highly desirable.
- Commercial Acumen: Exceptional grasp of project‐based accounting, margin analysis, and revenue recognition within a fast‐moving, commercial environment.
- Relationship Building: Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to build immediate trust, influence decisions, and challenge senior non‐finance stakeholders.
- Technical & Analytical Skills: Advanced Excel capability with a knack for manipulating diverse data sets to find the "story" behind the numbers.
- Cultural Fit: An adaptable, energetic professional who thrives in a collaborative, fast‐paced, and highly creative culture.
Finance Business Partner in London employer: Harper May
Harper May offers an exceptional work environment for finance professionals looking to make a significant impact within a dynamic media business. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and creativity, employees benefit from a culture that encourages innovative thinking and strategic involvement in high-value projects. The company prioritises professional growth, providing opportunities for continuous learning and development while being part of a vibrant team that drives disruptive campaigns globally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner in London
✨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 Harper May. 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 London
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 Harper May.
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 Harper May'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 Harper May
✨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 Harper May.
✨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 Harper May 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 Harper May 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.
