At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and reporting while driving operational excellence.
- Company: Join the North East Chamber, dedicated to supporting local businesses and communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25+ days annual leave, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Be a key player in strategic decision-making and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including maths and English; professional finance qualification required.
- Other info: Must reside in the North East and embrace our community values.
The predicted salary is between 46800 - 58800 £ per year.
1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants Role : Finance and operations business partner Reporting to : Executive and corporate services director Based : Durham OR Newcastle plus hybrid working Department : Finance and corporate services Contract : Permanent Working hours : 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri ROLE OVERVIEW We are seeking an experienced and strategically focused finance and business operations partner to play a critical role in delivering financial insight and operational excellence across the Chamber. This position will lead financial planning, control, and reporting functions while driving system improvements, procurement, and compliance. The successful candidate will be an integral business partner to our leadership team, providing data-driven analysis and strategic support to help the Chamber thrive and grow. The successful candidate will also lead a small finance team, including a finance and governance officer and a finance apprentice, providing day-to-day oversight, development, and performance management. WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING Responsibilities for the successful candidate include: Strategic Financial Management: Lead on monthly management accounts and variance analysis with actionable insights. Deliver data-led recommendations to support Executive Team decision-making. Develop, lead and review monthly and quarterly financial reports aligned with strategic goals. Manage cash flow forecasting and implement effective liquidity strategies. Budgeting and Forecasting: Lead the annual and three year budgeting cycle and in-year forecasts Present financial outlooks to executive and senior leadership team Ensure alignment of forecasts with the Chamber’s strategic and operational objectives. Month-End and Payroll: Manage and review month-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate outputs. Oversee the payroll process for accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. Address payroll queries and collaborate with external payroll bureaus as required. Audit, VAT, and Compliance: Lead the preparation and audit of statutory accounts. Liaise directly with external auditors, ensuring audit readiness and efficiency. Manage VAT reconciliations and submissions, keeping abreast of regulatory changes. Ensure financial policies and internal controls are compliant and robust. Business Operations and Systems: Lead improvements in financial systems and processes to enhance efficiency. Champion the development of dashboards and operational reporting tools. Provide operational finance support to departments, embedding best practices. Procurement and Asset Management: Lead procurement strategy and oversee contract management procedures. Ensure alignment with financial planning, value-for-money principles, and compliance. Oversee capital expenditure and asset registers to support long-term sustainability. Leadership and Collaboration: Provide oversight to finance team members, fostering high performance and development. Act as a key business partner to the executive team and departmental leads. Drive innovation and service improvement across financial and operational functions. Key Performance Indicators Timely and accurate financial reporting. Audit compliance and VAT submissions met to deadline. Budget forecasts and planning delivered in line with strategic goals. Operational system improvements and dashboard utilisation. WHAT WE NEED TO SEE The Chamber team is passionate about the North East, our business community and our members. We work hard to achieve outcomes for our business and our members. Skills and experience are important but what is important above all else is character and willingness to learn and achieve. It is vitally important that we find the right person who fits into our beliefs and culture here at the Chamber. Some of the other skills and experience that we are looking for include: Qualifications Minimum of 5 GCSE’s or equivalent, including maths and English A professional qualification in finance (e.g. CIMA, ACCA, ACA). Xero or equivalent financial software expertise is desirable. Skills and experience Demonstrated experience in strategic financial leadership roles. Proven experience of delivering operational finance and business partnering. Proven experience with compliance, audit, VAT, payroll, and procurement. Excellent analytical, commercial acumen and decision-making skills. Confident communicator and influencer across senior stakeholders. Strong project management and process improvement skills. High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and deadlines. Other requirements Must live in the North East. Ability to work flexibly across locations and functions. A commitment to the values of the Chamber and the North East business community. WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER We have a great culture at the Chamber and supporting a healthy work life balance is important to us. We actively promote a professional, engaging, friendly and supportive environment, with our people and our members at the heart of everything we do. We offer several benefits including: · 25 days annual leave, increasing with each year of service, up to 30 days plus public holidays each year · An additional days leave on your birthday · Life assurance four-times basic salary · Contribution to one professional membership each year · Employee assistance programme · A motivating, encouraging environment to work in · Flexible working supporting work life balance, with a mix of home and office working · Salary exchange pension scheme with 4% Chamber contributions · Long service awards · Salary sacrifice schemes, such as: cycle to work and car leasing · Health cash plan paid by the Chamber and provided by Westfield Health · Colleague events including summer social and Christmas party Seniority level Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Job function Finance and Sales Industries Information Services Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at North East Chamber of Commerce by 2x Get notified about new Finance Business Partner jobs in Durham, England, United Kingdom . 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Finance and operations business partner employer: North East Chamber of Commerce
Contact Detail:
North East Chamber of Commerce Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance and operations business partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance and operations sector, especially those who have experience in strategic financial leadership roles. Attend local business events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the Chamber's culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial software mentioned in the job description, such as Xero. Consider taking a short online course or tutorial to boost your confidence and demonstrate your commitment to mastering the tools used by the Chamber.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with compliance, audit, VAT, payroll, and procurement during the interview. Have specific examples ready that showcase your ability to manage these areas effectively and how they align with the Chamber's operational goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the North East business community and the Chamber's role within it. Understanding their mission and values will help you articulate how your character and willingness to learn align with their culture during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance and operations business partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance and operations. Focus on your strategic financial leadership roles and any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the Chamber's mission. Mention how your skills in financial planning, compliance, and team leadership can contribute to their goals.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your professional qualifications, such as CIMA, ACCA, or ACA, and any experience with financial software like Xero. This will demonstrate your suitability for the position.
Showcase Soft Skills: In your application, emphasise your communication skills and ability to influence senior stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams to drive operational improvements.
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Chamber of Commerce
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the responsibilities and expectations outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with terms like 'financial planning', 'variance analysis', and 'procurement strategy' so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with these areas.
✨Prepare Data-Driven Examples
Since the role requires delivering data-led recommendations, come prepared with specific examples from your past work where you used data to influence decision-making. Highlight your analytical skills and how they contributed to strategic outcomes.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As this position involves leading a small finance team, be ready to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share examples of how you've developed team members or improved team performance, as well as how you foster collaboration across departments.
✨Align with Company Values
The Chamber values character and a willingness to learn. During the interview, express your passion for the North East business community and how your personal values align with those of the Chamber. This will demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.