At a Glance
- Tasks: Support project teams with financial planning and analysis to enhance performance.
- Company: Dynamic engineering-led organisation focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and professional development in finance.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for continuous improvement and career advancement.
- Why this job: Be a key player in driving financial success across exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in project-based environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are partnering with a growing engineering-led organisation seeking a commercially focused Finance Business Partner to support complex project and operational delivery environments. This position plays a critical role in partnering with project management, operations, procurement, and commercial teams to improve financial performance, strengthen governance, and enhance forecasting accuracy across the full project lifecycle. The successful candidate will combine strong technical finance expertise with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive continuous improvement within a fast-paced project-based environment. Travel will be required with this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Planning & Analysis
- Support project and programme teams with cost-to-complete forecasting and financial planning
- Deliver detailed variance analysis alongside risk and opportunity assessments
- Improve forecasting accuracy and financial visibility across projects
- Challenge assumptions underpinning forecasts, investment proposals, and operational plans
- Drive improved financial discipline and commercial decision-making
- Business Partnering
- Act as a trusted finance partner to operational, procurement, commercial, and project teams
- Provide commercially focused financial insight to support strategic and operational decisions
- Collaborate cross-functionally to support process improvement and organisational development
- Cost Control & Performance Improvement
- Identify opportunities for cost savings, margin enhancement, and operational efficiencies
- Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cost ownership
- Support project teams in strengthening commercial awareness and financial control
- Project Accounting & Governance
- Support the development and implementation of robust project accounting processes and controls
- Strengthen financial governance across the project lifecycle
- Ensure accurate reporting, compliance, and effective financial controls across key projects
- Reporting & Stakeholder Management
- Prepare and present clear financial reports and project performance updates to senior stakeholders
- Deliver meaningful analysis and recommendations to support business performance
Candidate Profile
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Experience within project-based or long-term contract environments such as engineering, manufacturing, automotive, logistics, or infrastructure
- Strong background in project accounting, commercial finance, or programme finance
- Proven experience managing forecasting, cost-to-complete analysis, and project financial reporting
- Track record of partnering with operational and project delivery teams
- Experience improving financial controls, governance, and reporting processes
- Comfortable operating within complex, multi-stakeholder environments
Technical Skills
- Advanced Excel skills including modelling, scenario planning, and large data analysis
- Strong financial modelling capability across P&L, cash flow, forecasting, and project lifecycle reporting
- Good understanding of project accounting principles including WIP, revenue recognition, cost tracking, and margin analysis
- Experience with budgeting, rolling forecasts, and financial planning cycles
- Ability to develop and improve reporting packs for senior leadership teams
- Familiarity with ERP and project accounting systems
Finance Business Partner employer: Medlock Partners
Join a dynamic engineering-led organisation that values innovation and collaboration, offering a supportive work culture where your contributions as a Finance Business Partner will directly impact project success and operational excellence. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to work alongside cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment. The role also includes travel, providing you with unique experiences and insights into diverse project landscapes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your skills. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in project accounting and financial governance. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be your perfect match. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up in the hiring process. Let’s get you that Finance Business Partner role!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in project accounting and financial planning, and don’t forget to showcase your ability to influence stakeholders and drive improvements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects where you've improved financial performance or governance, and how you can bring that expertise to our team.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We love numbers, so make sure to highlight your advanced Excel skills and any experience with financial modelling. If you’ve worked with ERP systems or have a knack for scenario planning, let us know!
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 the role. Plus, we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Medlock Partners
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to project accounting and be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles. Prepare examples of how you've improved forecasting accuracy or driven cost savings.
✨Understand the Business
Get familiar with the engineering-led organisation's projects and operations. Research their recent projects, challenges, and successes. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their financial performance.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
This role requires strong collaboration with various teams. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully partnered with operational, procurement, and commercial teams in the past. Highlight your ability to influence decisions and drive continuous improvement.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex environments. Think about scenarios where you've had to challenge assumptions or improve financial controls. Practise articulating your thought process and the outcomes of your actions clearly.