Head of Finance Business Partnering in Preston

As one of the world's largest networks of audit, tax and consulting firms, RSM delivers big ideas and premium service to help middle‑market businesses thrive. We are a fast‑growing firm with big ambitions—this vision touches everything we do and motivates us to become better every day. If you are looking for a firm where you can build a future and make an impact, then RSM is the place for you.

We are looking for a Head of Finance Business Partnering to join our National Finance team in Preston. This senior leadership role within the Finance function offers direct exposure to key decision‑makers across the firm and the opportunity to play a central role in driving premium, consistent commercial insight, strategic decision‑making and financial performance. You’ll lead the Finance Business Partnering function while remaining hands‑on with one of the firm’s three lines of business, acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders. Reporting to one of the National Finance Partners, you will deliver clear, high‑quality financial insight that shapes decisions and drives performance. The role combines direct ownership of a major business area with leadership of the wider partnering team—setting the standard for insight, challenge and support. Working closely with the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, you will also ensure reporting and analysis is aligned, consistent and supports the delivery of practical, decision‑ready insight.

Key Impact Areas

• Act as a trusted commercial advisor to senior stakeholders, providing clear, timely insight that shapes decisions and drives performance.
• Lead from the front as the finance partner to a major line of business, translating financial and operational performance into simple, actionable recommendations.
• Drive high‑quality planning, forecasting and performance management, ensuring a strong forward‑looking view of risks and opportunities.
• Provide commercial challenge and support on strategic initiatives, acting as a sounding board and identifying risks and opportunities early.
• Embed a consistent business partnering approach across the firm, setting standards for insight, communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Establish effective performance review processes, ensuring the right balance of support and challenge to drive accountability and results.
• Work closely with FP&A and central finance teams to deliver a joined‑up, high‑quality finance service, with aligned insight and reporting.

What we are looking for

• Professionally qualified (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with strong post‑qualification experience.
• Proven track record in commercial finance and business partnering, supporting senior stakeholders.
• Strong commercial mindset, with a clear understanding of how financial insight drives business performance and decision‑making.
• Strong commercial judgement, able to translate data into clear, actionable insight.
• Credible and confident communicator, able to influence and challenge at Partner and Director level.
• Experience leading and developing teams, with a focus on raising capability and standards.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to turn data into decision‑ready outputs.
• Highly organised and resilient, able to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proactive and solutions‑focused, with a track record of driving improvement and change.

What we can offer you

• Hybrid and flexible working.
• 27 days holiday (with the option of purchasing additional days).
• Lifestyle, health and wellbeing including financial wellbeing benefits such as financial tools, electric car scheme and access to a virtual GP.
• Access to a suite of 300+ courses on demand developed by our in‑house Talent Development team.

Diversity and Inclusion at RSM

At RSM, we want to create a strong sense of belonging so that people of all identities, backgrounds, and cultures feel they can bring their true selves to work. Our clients come from all walks of life, and we aim to achieve that same diversity of background, experience, and perspective in our own teams, so that we can genuinely understand our client’s needs. Diverse teams bring a broader range of ideas and insights to work. That’s why we’re working together to ensure our firm’s principles and processes support a firm culture that embraces difference and strengthens inclusion.