Senior Business Partner - Finance

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Business Partner – Finance to join our Finance and Procurement directorate. In this role, you’ll lead the finance partnering service for your allocated business areas, making sure managers and budget holders receive timely, accurate and relevant information that helps drive great decision‑making, service improvement and cost efficiency.

Working closely with senior managers, you will provide proactive support on financial performance, helping to interpret cost and volume variances and identifying effective solutions to address them. You will also play a key part in annual budget preparation and longer‑term business planning.

• Provide a full business finance partner service to allocated areas and deputise for senior management when required.
• Deliver proactive financial support to managers and budget holders, helping them analyse and address variances.
• Prepare and report monthly performance, including actuals, forecasts and budgets, with clear supporting insight.
• Ensure accurate and timely variance analysis is completed and integrated into monthly reporting.
• Support annual budget submissions and the 30‑year business plan, investigating variances ahead of deadlines.
• Advise colleagues on the accounting and analysis code structure, data quality, and support the maintenance of procurement and purchase order systems.
• Assist with operational financial analysis including tenders, risk analysis and contract efficiency reviews.
• Contribute to year‑end statutory and audit requirements and participate in corporate projects, offering financial modelling expertise.

This is a fantastic opportunity to combine financial expertise with genuine business partnering. You’ll influence strategic decisions, work closely with senior stakeholders and support key operational services that make a real difference to customers. You’ll also join a supportive Finance team that values collaboration, continuous learning and flexible working — giving you space to grow, lead and develop in your field.

This is a full‑time role working 37 hours per week. This role is offered on a fixed term basis; however, there is the potential for the position to become permanent in future, subject to organisational need. Hybrid Working is available for this role working 2–3 days in the office dependent on business need. You will be based from our Exeter office.

• Excellent customer focus with the ability to improve satisfaction.
• Strong knowledge of financial accounting standards and legal requirements.
• Understanding of management accounting techniques and variance analysis.
• Ability to plan and control projects within strict time constraints.
• Skilled in analysing accounting data and identifying underlying business drivers.
• Ability to analyse processes for efficiency improvements and establish effective reporting mechanisms.
• Strong report‑writing skills with high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Understanding of risk management and Value for Money principles.

• Good level of literacy and numeracy.
• CCAB qualified (or qualified by experience).
• Proficient IT skills, including Microsoft Office and Advanced Excel.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

• Experience in social housing or a related profession.
• Proficient IT skills including Power BI and finance or housing management systems.

• Knowledge of Power BI and housing management systems.

Please note, we are unable to provide CoS for this role; therefore, applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of this role without requiring a CoS.

• Hybrid working with 2 - 3 days in the office to support your work/life balance.
• Generous Annual Leave: Start with 26 days, plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with length of service - and the option to purchase up to 5 extra days (pro rated for part time roles).
• Pension Contributions: Enjoy up to 9% employer contributions with our Defined Contribution scheme.
• Health Benefits and Perks: Access to a health care cash plan (worth up to £1,100 annually), virtual GP services, discounted gym memberships, and retail discounts including access to a Blue Light Card.
• Learning and Development: Invest in your future with ongoing personal and professional growth opportunities.
• Family Support: Policies designed to help you balance work and family life, including a new child payment.
• Wellbeing Matters: Prioritise your health with mental health support, enhanced sick pay, wellness campaigns, and free flu jabs.
• Smarter Travel: Save with our Cycle to Work and Car Benefit schemes.
• Giving Back: Up to four paid volunteering days a year to support our communities.

At LiveWest, we are united by a shared mission: to create a home for everyone. Each of us takes pride in playing our part in achieving this goal. Our values guide everything we do - from how we work together to how we deliver exceptional services to our customers. Collaboration is at the heart of LiveWest, and we believe that we achieve more when we deliver together.

As one of the largest employers in the South West, our team of 1,800 talented colleagues provides a wide range of services to our 80,000 customers. We are passionate about nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for people within the communities we serve.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We believe that our differences drive innovation, creativity, and excellence, and we strive to create an environment where all colleagues can thrive. As a proud member of Inclusive Employers, a Disability Confident Employer, and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we are dedicated to supporting all our colleagues and ensuring that our workplace is welcoming and accessible to all.

We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our team. LiveWest is dedicated to equal opportunity and actively works to eliminate discrimination and promote diversity at all levels. Join us in our mission to create vibrant and inclusive communities. Make a difference with LiveWest, where every voice is heard, and every contribution is valued.