At a Glance
- Tasks: Support SME clients with financial insights and performance analysis.
- Company: Established Oxford-based professional services firm with a growing team.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, flexible hours, 25 days leave, wellbeing support, and career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for training and development.
- Why this job: Be a trusted finance partner and make a real impact on client businesses.
- Qualifications: 4-5 years in finance, ACCA/ACA/CIMA qualified or equivalent experience.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
An established and growing Oxford based professional services firm is seeking a Client Business Partner to support a portfolio of SME clients with financial insight and performance analysis. This role is centred on acting as a trusted finance partner to business owners, helping them interpret financial information, understand performance drivers, and make more informed commercial decisions. You will work across a varied client base, combining management reporting with insight led analysis and regular client engagement. It is well suited to someone who enjoys a mix of relationship management, financial interpretation, and advisory work within a multi-client environment.
Benefits:
- Hybrid working following probation
- Flexible working hours within core times
- 25 days annual leave plus flexible holiday options
- Additional wellbeing day each year
- Health and wellbeing support package
- Employee discount and rewards platform
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Life assurance cover
- Cycle to work scheme
- Regular team events and social activities
- Ongoing training and development support
- Clear progression opportunities within a growing team
As Client Business Partner, you will act as the key point of contact for a portfolio of clients, supporting both their financial reporting needs and their wider commercial understanding of business performance. You will work closely with business owners to interpret financial results, identify trends, and provide meaningful insight to support decision making. Alongside client engagement, you will collaborate with internal delivery teams to ensure accurate and timely production of financial information, while also helping clients get maximum value from their accounting systems and data. A key focus of the role is moving conversations beyond historical reporting, towards forward looking analysis, financial planning, and performance improvement.
Key responsibilities:
- Acting as the main finance contact for a portfolio of SME clients
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with business owners and stakeholders
- Reviewing management accounts and providing clear performance insight
- Analysing financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
- Supporting budgeting, forecasting, and cashflow planning activities
- Working with internal teams to ensure accurate and timely financial delivery
- Supporting improvements to client accounting systems and processes
- Assisting with onboarding and implementation of new client relationships
- Liaising with tax, payroll, and advisory teams to deliver joined up support
- Monitoring client deadlines, workflow, and service delivery standards
- Supporting the development of junior team members where required
- Identifying opportunities to improve client outcomes and service offering
The successful Client Business Partner will have:
- At least four to five years UK experience in practice outsourcing, business services, or a management accounting / finance business partnering role
- ACCA, ACA or CIMA qualified, part qualified, or qualified by experience candidates considered
- Strong experience working with clients or stakeholders across multiple businesses
- Good technical accounting knowledge with exposure to UK accounting standards
- Strong analytical ability with experience interpreting financial information into insight
- Confident communication skills with the ability to engage non finance stakeholders
- Experience using cloud accounting systems such as Xero, QuickBooks or Sage
- Strong Excel skills and ability to adapt quickly to new systems
- A proactive, commercially minded approach with strong attention to detail
- Experience in outsourcing, management accounts, or business partnering environments would be advantageous
We comply with all relevant UK legislation and do not discriminate on any protected characteristics.
Client Business Partner in Oxford employer: Howett Thorpe
Join a dynamic and supportive professional services firm in Oxford, where you will thrive as a Client Business Partner. With a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and clear progression opportunities, this company fosters a collaborative work culture that values personal and professional growth. Enjoy the benefits of hybrid working, generous annual leave, and regular team events, all while making a meaningful impact on SME clients through insightful financial analysis and relationship management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Client Business Partner in Oxford
✨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 Howett Thorpe. 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 Client Business Partner in Oxford
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 Howett Thorpe.
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 Howett Thorpe'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 Howett Thorpe
✨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 Howett Thorpe.
✨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 Howett Thorpe 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 Howett Thorpe 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.
