At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape strategic decisions and provide financial insights to leadership.
- Company: Join Leonard Cheshire, a leading provider of care services in the UK.
- Benefits: 30 days holiday, contributory pension, health cash plan, and career development support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for mentorship and cross-functional collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while supporting disabled individuals' independence.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong FP&A and financial modelling experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
This is a high-impact, Senior Finance FP&A Business Partner role that goes beyond traditional reporting and budgeting. Advising executive and senior operational stakeholders, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping strategic and operational decision-making across the organisation, embedding financial insight into planning, investment decisions, and long-term sustainability. You'll also be supporting a defined portfolio of operational services (including care homes and central functions such as HR and Marketing), while collaborating to ensure consistency, depth of insight, and continuous improvement across the finance function.
Why you'll love working here
- 30 days holiday per annum inclusive of bank holidays
- Contributory Pension Scheme & competitive life cover
- Health cash plan: Affordable healthcare at your fingertips
- Career development: Support for continued professional development and leadership growth
- Employee Assistance Programme support when you need it most
Key responsibilities
- Strategic Advisory & Decision Support: Provide clear commercial insights to leadership, using scenario modelling, and robust business cases to drive investment and lead sensitivity analysis across key initiatives such as service growth, redesign, and sustainable investment decisions.
- Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead driver-based budgeting and rolling forecasts, continuously improving forecast accuracy and planning methodologies whilst collaborating across FP&A to ensure a consistent, joined-up approach.
- Performance Analysis & Value Creation: Deliver actionable monthly and quarterly reporting including translating complex data into concise, decision-focused narratives, identifying risks and opportunities through clear, data-driven narratives whilst developing and refining KPIs to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Finance Business Partnering: Act as a trusted partner to operational leaders, providing constructive challenge and pragmatic advice. Supporting stakeholders in understanding financial drivers, trade-offs, and implications, building financial capability across non-finance teams through coaching and guidance.
- Leadership & Team Contribution: Mentor colleagues, drive team performance, and support cross-functional initiatives such as pricing strategies. Collaborate with peers to ensure consistency, and contribute to finance transformation, including automation, AI adoption, and new ways of working to elevate the impact and profile of finance across the organisation.
About you
This is an excellent step-up opportunity ideal for someone looking to accelerate their career; someone eager to learn, challenge, and grow over the next few years.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Qualified accountant (CIMA or equivalent)
- Significant post-qualification experience in FP&A, commercial finance, or business partnering roles
- Strong financial modelling, scenario analysis, and performance management experience.
- Experience in complex, operational or service-driven environments.
Technical Skills
- Advanced Excel skills (including lookups, SUMIFS, logical formulas, data tables, Power Query, and modelling).
- Experience with Power BI and automated reporting, ERP systems (e.g. MS Dynamics)
- Interest in modern FP&A tools, automation, and AI-driven insights (Datarails is advantageous)
Desirable
- Exposure to care sector funding models or regulated environments.
- Knowledge of charity reporting frameworks (e.g. SORP).
- Experience supporting system implementations or upgrades.
About Leonard Cheshire
We are one of the UK's most respected providers of care and supported living services. For over 75 years, we've supported disabled people to live, learn, and work as independently as possible. Our values guide everything we do:
- Positive: warm and empathetic, always looking to improve
- Proud: strong-willed and driven in our beliefs
- Pioneering: confident, creative, and forward-thinking
Ready to apply? Leonard Cheshire welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applications from people with a disability and will support reasonable adjustments where possible. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals. Pre-employment checks and references will be required. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Senior FP&A / Finance Business Partner in Derby employer: Leonard Cheshire
At Leonard Cheshire, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the growth and wellbeing of our employees. With a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a strong focus on career development, we foster a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and innovation. Located in Derby, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while you play a crucial role in shaping strategic financial decisions that impact the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior FP&A / Finance Business Partner in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in FP&A or business partnering roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial modelling and scenario analysis skills. Be ready to showcase how you've used these skills to drive decision-making in previous roles. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply for jobs; engage with the companies you're interested in. Follow them on social media, comment on their posts, and attend any webinars or events they host. This shows your genuine interest and can help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! Tailor your approach to highlight your experience in strategic advisory and performance analysis. Let’s get you that interview and show them what you’ve got!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior FP&A / Finance Business Partner in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior FP&A role. Highlight your financial modelling and business partnering experience, as these are key to impressing us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've provided strategic insights and supported decision-making in previous positions.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your advanced Excel skills and any experience with tools like Power BI. We love seeing candidates who are comfortable with modern FP&A tools and automation!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonard Cheshire
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior FP&A Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence decision-making in previous roles. Prepare examples of your financial modelling and scenario analysis to showcase your expertise.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Leonard Cheshire's mission and the care sector. Understand their funding models and how financial decisions impact service delivery. This will help you provide relevant insights during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in the organisation's goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to provide strategic advice. Think about past experiences where you've had to challenge assumptions or drive investment decisions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves partnering with operational leaders, so highlight your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Be prepared to discuss how you've built relationships with non-finance teams and provided coaching to enhance their financial understanding. This will demonstrate your ability to be a trusted advisor.
