At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and audits while supporting capital projects and operational planning.
- Company: Join Look Ahead, a leading not-for-profit care and support provider in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 30 days annual leave, generous pension, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with strong career growth and commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in social care while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial statements, business partnering, and financial analysis required.
We're looking for a motivated, innovative and resilient Finance Business Partner to join our Finance team located at our Head Office in Islington. £60,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week. Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here. Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
- Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
- A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)
- Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
- Fully paid induction programme and further training
- ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
- Online wellbeing resources
- Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
- Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
What you'll do:
- Lead the production of the PPE, FA investments, grant and interest Look Ahead Care & Support (LACS) and Group consolidated notes.
- Lead the annual year end audit process for the subsidiaries including liaison with the external auditors.
- Prepare regulatory returns to the Regulator of Social Housing, including the annual FVA, annual grant returns and quarterly disposal returns.
- Prepare and submit quarterly VAT, CIS and ONS returns on behalf of Look Ahead & Look Ahead Developments Ltd.
- Lead on the gift-aid calculations and Tax Return preparation for Look Ahead's subsidiaries.
- Manage the fixed asset register, ensuring additions, disposals and depreciation and grants are correctly posted and reconciled.
- Maintain up to date Asset Liability Register.
- Act as a strategic finance business partner to the Property Services Directorate, providing financial insight - producing reports and analysis, and challenge across all capital projects, operational repairs and maintenance initiatives.
- Support budget holders in the effective planning, forecasting and monitoring of both capital and operations property services expenditure.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.
About you:
- Approachable and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Is assertive and will challenge others
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
What you'll bring:
Essential:
- Proven experience of the preparation of Financial Statements for audit and the application of accounting standards.
- Proven experience of business partnering
- Experience of reviewing and analysing financial information and reporting on results.
- Proven experience in reconciliations.
- Good attention to detail with ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload to meet agreed deadlines.
Desirable:
- Experience of using Sun Financials/Unit 4
- Experience of accounting in the social housing sector.
- Management experience
About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us. We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
- We focus on Excellence and innovation.
- We are Caring and Compassionate.
- We are Inclusive and Trusted.
- We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Please see our website for full Job description.
Finance Business Partner Capital employer: Look Ahead Care and Support
Look Ahead is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Located in Islington, our Head Office provides a vibrant environment where you can thrive, with benefits such as generous annual leave, comprehensive training programmes, and a commitment to recognising staff contributions through quarterly awards. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the community while advancing your career in a dynamic and innovative organisation.
Contact Details:
Look Ahead Care and Support Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner Capital
✨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 Look Ahead Care and Support. 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 Finance Business Partner Capital
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 Look Ahead Care and Support.
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 Look Ahead Care and Support'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 Look Ahead Care and Support
✨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 Look Ahead Care and Support.
✨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 Look Ahead Care and Support 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 Look Ahead Care and Support 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.
