At a Glance
- Tasks: Act as a strategic advisor, providing financial insights and analysis to drive performance.
- Company: Join Ryan Specialty, a diverse and inclusive workplace in the finance sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing financial decisions and optimising performance.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance business partnering, preferably in insurance.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Finance Business Partner (FBP) will act as a strategic advisor to the business, providing financial insights, analysis, and decision support to drive performance and profitability. Working closely with underwriting, claims, and operational teams, the role bridges finance and the wider business to ensure robust financial planning, cost management, and value creation.
Location: London - UK - Fenchurch
What will your job entail?
- Business Partnering
- Partner with underwriting, claims, and distribution teams to support commercial decision-making
- Provide financial insights on product performance, pricing strategies, and portfolio profitability
- Challenge and influence stakeholders to improve financial outcomes
- Translate financial results into actionable business insights
- Financial Planning & Analysis
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long‑term planning processes for assigned business areas
- Develop drivers‑based models to support scenario planning and stress testing
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including loss ratios, expense ratios, and combined ratios
- Analyse variances and provide commentary on financial performance
- Performance Management
- Support performance reviews with senior stakeholders, including preparing reports and presentations
- Identify trends, risks, and opportunities within underwriting and claims performance
- Drive cost optimisation initiatives and operational efficiency improvements
- Insurance‑Specific Analysis
- Provide insight into underwriting performance, reserves, and claims trends
- Assess profitability by product, channel, and customer segment
- Support pricing decisions with financial analysis and scenario modelling
- Work closely with actuarial teams to understand assumptions and financial impacts
- Reporting & Governance
- Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in line with internal and regulatory requirements
- Support month‑end and year‑end processes with variance analysis and commentary
- Maintain strong financial controls and governance standards
- Contribute to regulatory reporting where required (e.g., Solvency II inputs, if applicable)
Key Skills & Experience
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Proven experience in a Finance Business Partnering role, ideally within insurance or financial services
- Strong understanding of insurance metrics (e.g., loss ratio, combined ratio, reserving principles)
- Advanced financial modelling and data analysis skills
- Ability to communicate complex financial information to non‑finance stakeholders
- Strong commercial acumen and influencing skills
- Experience working with large datasets and finance systems (e.g., ERP, BI tools)
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner
✨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 Ryan Specialty. 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
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 Ryan Specialty.
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 Ryan Specialty'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 Ryan Specialty
✨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 Ryan Specialty.
✨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 Ryan Specialty 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 Ryan Specialty 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.
