At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance team, manage budgets, and provide financial insights for strategic decisions.
- Company: Join Ofwat, the regulator shaping the future of water in England and Wales.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to integrity, support, and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the water sector while driving positive change.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified or at final level with extensive public sector experience.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham (B5 4UA) based with hybrid working.
We are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a non‑ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales. We have an opportunity for a Head of Finance Business Partnering to join our Finance Team within Corporate Enablers Directorate. Ofwat is working with the government and other regulators to help create a new body for England, bringing together our strengths with those of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the Environment Agency and Natural England. We are also continuing to work with the Welsh Government to support decisions on the future arrangements for Wales. While these changes take shape, our mission remains the same: to hold water companies to account, drive performance, and ensure the sector delivers real value for customers, communities, and the environment.
This is an exciting time to join Ofwat - At a critical point for the water sector and with significant Ofwat growth expected over the next few years. You will be responsible for managing a team of five finance business partners to ensure effective financial management of the budget including planning, forecasting, reporting, and financial analysis. You will provide leadership, influence, vision, financial challenge, direction, support, and advice, adding value through insightful analysis whilst acting as a critical advisor on key financial decisions. You will be CCAB qualified or at final level of your qualification with extensive experience, gained within a Government and/or Public Sector.
Key deliverables:
- Lead and manage the Finance Business Partnering team including prioritisation and planning of workload; 121 meetings; monitoring progress against objectives.
- Develop and optimise the production of financial analysis and management information for budget holders, ensuring accuracy and clarity.
- Lead the approach to budget setting and forecasting, including working with senior budget holders, and maintaining forecasting methodology.
- Support the organisation through periods of significant change, providing financial insight, challenge and guidance to enable informed decision-making.
- Lead the period-end close process, ensuring timely completion, accuracy and compliance with financial controls.
- Oversee and quality assure budgeting and forecasting models and establishment budgetary controls.
- Prepare ad-hoc analysis to support strategic planning and organisational decision making.
- Lead a team of 4 Finance Business Partners including leading team meetings and promoting effective collaboration.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Own current approval processes, driving system improvements and enhancing the user experience.
- Manage procurement contracts including Oracle finance, travel and room bookings.
- Proactively identify, assess and manage financial and operational risks, ensuring appropriate controls and mitigation plans are in place.
- Uphold Ofwat's SAILOR values - Support; Ambition; Integrity; Learning; Ownership; Respect.
Person specification:
To be successful in this role you will need the below essential attributes, experience, skills and knowledge:
- Experience of building and leading a Finance Business Partnering team.
- Experience of supporting an organisation through a period of significant change e.g. a merger/close of an organisation.
- Excellent stakeholder management, with experience of building strong relationships and working collaboratively to achieve and deliver against shared objectives.
- Experience of providing leadership, guidance and support to colleagues and partners to enable effective decision making.
- Confident communicator with the ability to communicate financial insights to non-financial audiences.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and resources in context, considering a range of approaches and during potential periods of ambiguity.
- Experience in process improvement and efficiency.
You are a champion of change, you build trust, and you deliver outcomes.
Head of Finance Business Partnering in Birmingham employer: Ofwat
OFWAT is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cardiff that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide flexible working arrangements, generous parental leave, and ample opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the regulatory landscape of Wales.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Business Partnering in Birmingham
✨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 Ofwat. 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 Head of Finance Business Partnering in Birmingham
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 Ofwat.
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 Ofwat'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 Ofwat
✨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 Ofwat.
✨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 Ofwat 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 Ofwat 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.
