At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial strategy and support decision making at a leading university.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking university in South West London focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 30+ days annual leave, and a competitive salary.
- Why this job: Shape the financial future of dynamic areas like business development and marketing.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance business partnering or FP&A.
- Other info: Be part of a team that influences long-term sustainability and growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Drive financial strategy and support high-impact decision making at a leading university in South West London. We’re looking for an experienced Finance Business Partner to join a growing Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) team, focused on driving commercial performance and strategic initiatives across multi-million-pound revenue and cost centres. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence the financial future of dynamic and evolving areas including business development, commercial ventures, marketing, and continuing education. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, offering critical insight and financial guidance that shapes long-term sustainability and growth.
What You’ll Do
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders and heads of department.
- Lead forecasting, budgeting, and financial planning for key commercial areas.
- Own costings and financial modelling for new partnerships, ventures, and programmes.
- Collaborate with marketing and student acquisition teams to drive ROI.
- Prepare monthly reporting packs and deep-dive variance analysis.
- Drive improvements in reporting, insight, and financial processes.
- Deliver training, finance roadshows, and clear financial guidance across your portfolio.
What We’re Looking For
- Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent).
- Proven experience in a finance business partnering or FP&A role.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence decision makers.
- Comfortable working with complex data and creating compelling insight.
What You’ll Get
- Competitive salary and generous pension scheme.
- Flexible working (hybrid model).
- 30+ days annual leave including bank holidays and Christmas closure.
- Opportunity to shape the financial strategy of innovative commercial areas.
Ready to step into a role where your insight drives real impact? Apply now and join a forward-thinking university making bold moves in commercial development and education.
Contact Detail:
JSS Search Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner - Commercial
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the university's financial strategy and recent commercial initiatives. Understanding their current projects and challenges will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews, showcasing your genuine interest and knowledge about their operations.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the finance and education sectors, particularly those who have experience in FP&A roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the skills and experiences that are highly valued in this position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've influenced financial decision-making in previous roles. Highlight your experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling, as these are crucial aspects of the Finance Business Partner role.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your communication skills by practising how to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to convey insights to non-financial stakeholders, so being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will set you apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner - Commercial
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance business partnering or FP&A roles. Emphasise your qualifications, such as ACA/ACCA/CIMA, and showcase specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to influence decision-making.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to this role. Discuss how your skills align with the job description, particularly your experience in financial strategy and stakeholder management.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders. This is crucial for a role that involves advising senior leaders.
Highlight Commercial Acumen: Demonstrate your strong commercial acumen by including examples of how you've driven ROI in previous roles. Mention any experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling that relates to commercial ventures.
How to prepare for a job interview at JSS Search Limited
✨Understand the Financial Landscape
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the financial strategies and challenges faced by universities, particularly in commercial sectors. Research the institution's recent initiatives and how they align with their financial goals.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders and stakeholders. Highlight instances where your insights have influenced decision-making or improved financial outcomes.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Financial Modelling
Since the role involves costings and financial modelling for new ventures, be prepared to discuss your experience in this area. Bring examples of models you've created and explain how they contributed to strategic decisions.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Think of specific scenarios where your commercial insight has led to successful outcomes. Be ready to discuss how you can drive ROI through collaboration with marketing and student acquisition teams.