At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform numbers into impactful stories and support strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join the dynamic UK Finance Team at Merlin Entertainment.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts on LEGO, free attraction tickets, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while collaborating with senior leaders in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial planning and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Location: Any of our UK Merlin Sites (South Parks preferred)
Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Hybrid working (3 days per week in the office, 2 days per week from home)
We are recruiting for a Finance Business Partner – UK Performance to join our awesome UK Finance Team. Love turning numbers into stories that drive real impact? This role puts you right at the heart of the business, where insight meets action! The Finance Business Partner – UK Performance plays a key part in supporting business performance through insightful analysis and effective partnership with senior stakeholders, helping to optimise outcomes across the organisation for attraction spend in commercial, hotels and functions. You will support the preparation of financial reports, budgets and forecasts, contributing to strategic decision‑making and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. Acting as a key conduit between central functions, attraction teams and the wider Finance team, the Financial Business Partner will balance day‑to‑day operational demands with longer‑term planning and innovation. This is a role that offers both breadth and influence, combining analytical rigour with strong stakeholder engagement. It's a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to step into a commercial business partnering role, gaining broad exposure across the organisation while making a tangible impact on business performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Financial Leadership: Support the execution of a finance strategy that aligns with Merlin's wider goals by driving value, improving forecasting, and enabling better decision‑making. Act as a strategic advisor to the leadership teams in the finance function providing insight on financial performance, business planning and operational development.
- Global Finance Operations: Collaborate with global finance teams to ensure consistency in financial practices while adapting to local regulatory and cultural requirements. Address complex financial queries and concerns raised by senior business leaders and operations teams.
- Analysis & Planning: Deliver budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis to support strategic plans. Deliver high quality financial analysis, including variance analysis, trend reporting and scenario modelling.
- Business Partnering: Assist in providing financial advice and insights to non‑finance teams to drive decision‑making. Collaborate with senior management to provide financial guidance.
- Process Improvement & Reporting: Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation and efficiency. Prepare insightful reports and presentations to communicate performance and key drivers. Monitor and challenge business performance, ensuring financial and operations goals are aligned.
Qualifications & Experience
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Proven experience in financial planning, commercial analysis and business partnering within a complex organisation.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Understanding of financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting processes.
- A proactive, commercially minded approach with a continuous improvement mindset and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
- Strong analytical and Excel modelling skills, with experience using systems like SAP, Oracle, or Hyperion desirable.
Benefits
- 40% discount off LEGO sets and products on the online LEGO Store!
- Merlin Magic Pass: 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world!
- 25% discount in Merlin retail shops and restaurants (a brilliant extra treat when you're using your Magic Pass to visit!)
- Staff discount codes for Merlin Annual Passes to gift to loved ones!
- Private pension scheme
- Life assurance scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Access to Perks at Work which 30,000+ national & local employee discounts
- Ongoing training & development
If you have any questions or if you require any reasonable adjustments, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at recruitment@merlinentertainments.biz and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Pay Range: Competitive
Finance Business Partner - UK Performance in Basingstoke employer: LEGOLAND Parks
At Merlin, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Finance Business Partner in our UK Finance Team, you'll enjoy hybrid working arrangements, competitive benefits including discounts on LEGO products and attractions, and ample opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic environment that values your insights and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner - UK Performance in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Merlin through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your numbers! Brush up on financial analysis and be ready to discuss how you've turned data into actionable insights in past roles. Show them you can drive real impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your qualifications; highlight your soft skills too! Being able to engage with stakeholders and communicate effectively is key in this role. Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Merlin family.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner - UK Performance in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in financial planning and business partnering, and don’t forget to showcase those analytical skills that we love!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for turning numbers into stories and how you can drive real impact within our UK Finance Team.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills:We want to see how you’ve successfully collaborated with senior management in the past. Give us examples of how you’ve provided financial insights that influenced decision-making and improved outcomes.
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 fantastic opportunity to join our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at LEGOLAND Parks
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Show them you can turn numbers into actionable insights!
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role involves a lot of collaboration with senior management and non-finance teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully partnered with different stakeholders in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to translate complex financial concepts into relatable terms.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to strategic planning and decision-making in your previous positions. Think about times when your financial insights led to improved outcomes or process efficiencies. This will show that you can align finance strategies with broader business goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle pressure. Practice answering scenario-based questions related to budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis. This will help you demonstrate your critical thinking and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
