At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business performance through financial analysis and collaboration with senior stakeholders.
- Company: Join the dynamic UK Finance Team at a leading entertainment company.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts on LEGO, free attraction tickets, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a vibrant team culture and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping financial strategies and driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial planning and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Any of our Southern UK Merlin Sites
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 – Technical Services to join our awesome UK Finance Team! The Finance Business Partner – Technical Services plays a pivotal role in shaping and driving business performance through insightful analysis and strong collaboration with senior stakeholders. You will be at the heart of the action, supporting the preparation of financial reports, budgets and forecasts, and helping to inform strategic decisions while spotting opportunities for continuous improvement. While cost discipline is an important focus, the role goes far beyond the numbers! It’s about adding real value by championing best practice, driving consistency in reporting, and enhancing ways of working across the business. Acting as a key connector between central functions, attraction teams and the wider Finance community, you will balance day-to-day operational priorities with forward-thinking planning and innovation, ensuring Finance remains a proactive partner in delivering business success.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Financial Leadership: Support the execution of a finance strategy that aligns with Merlin's wider goals-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 Power BI, 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 offers 30,000+ national & local employee discounts
- Ongoing training & development
Pay Range: Competitive
Finance Business Partner - Technical Services in Chertsey employer: Merlin
Join our dynamic UK Finance Team as a Finance Business Partner – Technical Services, where you'll play a crucial role in driving business performance through insightful analysis and collaboration. Enjoy a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside fantastic benefits such as a 40% discount on LEGO products, a Merlin Magic Pass for free access to attractions, and ongoing training opportunities to support your professional growth. With a culture that champions innovation and continuous improvement, this is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant and supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner - Technical Services in Chertsey
✨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 Merlin. 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 - Technical Services in Chertsey
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 Merlin.
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 Merlin'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 Merlin
✨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 Merlin.
✨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 Merlin 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 Merlin 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.
