Finance Business Partner / Strategic Cost Accountant in Glasgow

Finance Business Partner / Strategic Cost Accountant in Glasgow

Glasgow Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Rathbones Group Plc

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support strategic finance projects and deliver insightful cost reporting.
  • Company: Join Rathbones, a leading UK wealth manager with a strong community focus.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible holidays, private medical insurance, and a generous pension scheme.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on financial decisions and work closely with senior leaders.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong financial analysis and communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

At Rathbones, we help people invest their money well, so they can live well. That means more than financial returns - it's about helping people feel confident in their decisions and supported in their future. We don't just manage money, we guide people through life's big moments, helping them stay on track and focus on what matters most.

We're proud to be one of the UK's leading wealth managers, with over £109bn in assets under management and 20+ offices across the UK and Channel Islands. We're a FTSE 250 company with national reach and a local feel - and we're growing.

Role details:

  • Division: Finance
  • Location: Glasgow, Liverpool, London
  • Contract: Fixed Term
  • Working pattern: Hybrid

About the role:

Support the Head of Strategic Costs Insight (and wider Strategic Finance team) across a range of projects and regular reporting.

What you'll be responsible for:

  • Support the provision of high-quality, insight-led reporting on cost performance, efficiency opportunities, and cost impact of strategic projects.
  • Cost-savings target delivery tracked against business cases/plans, with risks and variances flagged.
  • Identification, quantification, and communication of cost-optimisation opportunities to decision-makers.
  • Opportunities to gain direct exposure to Executive members through ongoing work.
  • Ability to challenge cost owners on costs incurred and delivery of savings.
  • Timely delivery of high-quality Executive-level cost reporting with positive stakeholder feedback.
  • Delivery of agreed cost-savings targets or timely reporting on savings shortfalls.
  • Clear tracking and explanation of synergy realisation, including early identification and escalation of delivery risks or shortfalls.

About you:

  • Challenging the business on optimisation of the cost base to support strategic decision-making - ongoing and via special projects.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to challenge and influence senior stakeholders.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across the Finance team and wider business.
  • Driving continuous cost improvement aligned to corporate strategy.
  • Experience of synergy tracking and modelling.
  • Assisting with preparation of Executive-level reporting on cost base and opportunities.
  • High level of attention to detail, with strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
  • Ensuring cost performance, efficiency opportunities, and financial impacts of strategic initiatives are clearly understood by senior leadership.
  • Strong presentation and report-writing skills.
  • Ability to adjust quickly to shifting priorities and organisational change.
  • Working with the core Accounting team to provide Finance Business Partnering services to the business as required.
  • Strong financial analysis experience, ideally within FP&A, commercial finance, cost management, or strategic finance.
  • Ability to interpret complex financial data and turn it into clear, actionable insight.
  • Involvement in synergy/CTA business cases.
  • Ability to work on confidential cost-optimisation projects as required.

Professional Experience and Qualifications:

  • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).

Our offer to you:

We want everyone at Rathbones to fulfil their potential, in an environment where you are proud to work and feel like you belong. We offer a comprehensive remuneration package, which we review regularly, and benefits include:

  • A company pension - 9% non-contributory or 10% if you contribute 5%.
  • Private medical insurance - Individual on joining, family after 1 year's service.
  • Life assurance - 8 x salary.
  • Income protection - 75 % salary.
  • Company share scheme.
  • Discretionary bonus.
  • Flexible holidays - purchase up to 5 additional days.
  • Green Car Scheme.
  • Family friendly policies - enhanced family leave for parents & carers.
  • Study support - study days and funding for courses and qualifications.
  • Season travel ticket loans.
  • Volunteering days.
  • Gym discounts.
  • Other voluntary benefits you can choose to suit you.

Life at Rathbones:

We aim to become an employer of choice for the wealth management sector, to achieve this we are working hard to build a diverse, equal, and inclusive workplace that motivates, develops and embraces the strengths of all our colleagues. At Rathbones, we provide meaningful work, opportunities, and a voice to all.

We are committed to building a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities and encourage applications from all backgrounds. We welcome individuals who share our values.

We're a Disability Confident Employer (level 2) under the UK Government scheme. This means we've signed up to a set of commitments around how we recruit, retain and develop people with disabilities. If you require adjustments to apply for a role at Rathbones, please contact us via recruit@rathbones.com to let us know what adjustments you may need.

Mission:

We believe in playing the long game. That means building consistent results, earning trust and doing the right thing - for our clients, our colleagues and the communities we're part of.

Our values shape how we work:

  • We aim high.
  • We get it done.
  • We show we care.
  • We do the right thing.

These aren't just words on a wall. They guide how we treat each other, how we make decisions and how we build relationships that last.

We will close this advert once we have received enough applications for the next stage. Please submit your application as soon as possible to ensure you don't miss out.

Finance Business Partner / Strategic Cost Accountant in Glasgow employer: Rathbones Group Plc

At Rathbones, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, we provide comprehensive benefits including a generous pension scheme, private medical insurance, and flexible holidays, all designed to enhance your work-life balance. Join us in Glasgow, Liverpool, or London, where you'll have the opportunity to engage with senior leadership and contribute to meaningful projects that drive strategic decision-making in the wealth management sector.

Rathbones Group Plc

Contact Details:

Rathbones Group Plc Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner / Strategic Cost Accountant in Glasgow

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

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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

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We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner / Strategic Cost Accountant in Glasgow

Financial Analysis
Cost Management
Strategic Decision-Making
Stakeholder Communication
Cost Optimisation
Reporting Skills
Attention to Detail

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 Rathbones Group Plc.

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 Rathbones Group Plc'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 Rathbones Group Plc

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 Rathbones Group Plc.

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 Rathbones Group Plc 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 Rathbones Group Plc 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.