At a Glance
- Tasks: Support budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis to drive commercial decisions.
- Company: Well-established organisation delivering essential infrastructure services across the UK.
- Benefits: Opportunity for significant influence, strong stakeholder exposure, and career growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team where finance adds real value and visibility.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping operational performance and strategic direction.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial finance skills and experience in operationally driven environments.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
The Business
Hawthorn One are proud to be partnering exclusively with a well-established and operationally complex organisation operating within a regulated, service-led environment. The business delivers essential infrastructure and operational services across multiple long-term contracts and frameworks, supporting critical day-to-day operations across the UK. With a strong reputation in its sector and an increasingly data-driven approach to decision making, the organisation continues to invest in its commercial capability, systems and leadership infrastructure to support future growth and operational performance. Operating within a fast-paced environment where performance, delivery and financial control are closely linked, the business is focused on strengthening visibility across operations, improving commercial understanding and embedding stronger financial accountability throughout the organisation. As a result, finance is becoming increasingly central to operational and strategic decision-making, creating an opportunity for a commercially minded finance professional to play a highly visible and influential role within the business.
The Opportunity
This Commercial Finance Business Partner job is a role for someone who enjoys being close to operations, understanding how contracts perform in practice, and helping the business make better commercial decisions through insight, challenge and partnership. Working closely with operational and commercial teams, the Commercial Finance Business Partner will act as a genuine bridge between finance and the wider business, bringing clarity to performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and supporting decision-making across a complex operational environment. The role requires someone who enjoys understanding the detail, questioning performance drivers and translating financial information into meaningful operational insight. There is significant scope to influence, improve visibility and strengthen how financial information supports decision-making across the region. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, supporting budgeting, forecasting, working capital management and contract performance, while helping to shape a more commercially focused and forward-looking approach across the business.
The Role
The Commercial Finance Business Partner will support the Commercial Finance Director and wider leadership team across a broad range of operational and commercial finance activities. Key areas of focus will include:
- Leading budgeting, forecasting and performance analysis across operational contracts and commercial activity
- Supporting weekly reporting processes, ensuring accuracy and visibility across financial performance
- Monitoring working capital and cashflow performance to support operational efficiency and commercial decision-making
- Analysing operational cost drivers and identifying opportunities to improve performance and profitability
- Developing financial models to support investment decisions and long-term operational planning
- Partnering with operational stakeholders to provide clear, actionable financial insight
- Supporting pricing activity, commercial evaluations and wider business improvement initiatives
- Contributing towards continuous improvement across systems, reporting and financial processes
This Commercial Finance Business Partner job will suit someone who enjoys operating within a commercially focused environment where finance is expected to influence, challenge and add value.
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will bring strong commercial finance capability alongside the confidence to operate closely with both operational and senior leadership teams. You will likely have experience within infrastructure, utilities, contracting or other operationally driven environments where understanding performance at contract level is essential. Exposure to areas such as WIP, revenue recognition, subcontractor costs and cashflow management will be highly beneficial. You will be analytically strong, commercially curious and comfortable working with large volumes of operational and financial data to identify trends, risks and opportunities. Just as importantly, you will enjoy business partnering. You will be someone who communicates clearly, builds credibility quickly and is confident challenging constructively where required. The role will suit an individual who enjoys improving processes, strengthening visibility and helping operational teams better understand the financial impact of their decisions. ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification (or equivalent experience) is preferred.
This role offers the opportunity to join a well-established organisation at a time where commercial finance is playing an increasingly important role in shaping operational performance and strategic direction. With strong stakeholder exposure, genuine influence and the ability to make a visible impact across the business, it represents an excellent opportunity for an ambitious finance professional looking to operate in a highly commercial environment.
Commercial Finance Business Partner in Preston employer: Hawthorn One
Hawthorn One is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where finance professionals can thrive and make a significant impact. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, providing opportunities for continuous improvement and professional development. Located in a fast-paced sector, employees benefit from engaging with senior stakeholders and contributing to strategic decision-making, all while being part of a reputable organisation committed to operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Business Partner in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that Commercial Finance Business Partner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by knowing your stuff! Research the company’s operations, understand their financial performance, and think about how you can add value. We want to show them that we’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on how you can translate your financial insights into operational improvements, just like they’re looking for in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for candidates who are eager to make an impact in a commercially focused environment like this one.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Business Partner in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Commercial Finance Business Partner. Highlight your experience in operational finance, budgeting, and performance analysis, as these are key areas for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to showcase your passion for commercial finance and how you can bridge the gap between finance and operations. Share specific examples of how you've influenced decision-making in previous roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:We love candidates who can dive into data! Make sure to mention any experience you have with financial modelling, cashflow management, or identifying cost drivers. This will show us you're ready to tackle the complexities of our environment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorn One
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you’re familiar with key financial metrics and performance indicators relevant to the role. Brush up on budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management, as these will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive decisions in past roles will impress your interviewers.
✨Understand the Business
Research the company’s operations and contracts thoroughly. Understand their service delivery model and how finance plays a role in operational success. This knowledge will help you articulate how you can add value as a Commercial Finance Business Partner and demonstrate your genuine interest in the organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about specific scenarios where you had to analyse financial data or improve performance. Prepare examples that showcase your analytical skills and ability to partner with operational teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your communication abilities. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Highlight instances where you’ve successfully influenced decisions or improved understanding among non-financial colleagues.
