At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a Legal Division with financial insights and strategic guidance.
- Company: Join Shoosmiths, a top 50 law firm known for excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving financial performance in a dynamic legal setting.
- Qualifications: Degree in Finance or Accounting; experience in finance roles preferred.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
The role is a 12 Month FTC. As a Finance Business Partner, you will play a pivotal role in supporting one of our Legal Divisions by providing financial insights, analysis, and strategic guidance. Reporting to the Head of FP&A, you will collaborate closely with the Divisional Head and management team and key stakeholders to drive financial performance and support decision-making processes within the division.
Main responsibilities:
- Financial Analysis and Reporting: Conduct regular financial analysis to assess the division's performance against budgets, forecasts, and targets. Prepare insightful financial reports, dashboards, and presentations for management review. Financial modelling and scenario planning to provide deeper insights into potential business outcomes and challenge business decisions. Identify trends, risks, and opportunities to support strategic decision-making.
- Budgeting and Forecasting: Assist in the development and consolidation of divisional budgets and forecasts. Work closely with the Divisional Leadership to understand business drivers and assumptions. Collaborate with other finance team members to ensure consistency and accuracy in financial planning. Provide variance analysis and explanations to support budget holders in managing their financial performance.
- Business Partnering: Serve as a trusted advisor to the Divisional Head and other senior stakeholders, providing financial insights and guidance. Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments such as Finance, HR, and Business Operations to support business objectives. Actively participate in divisional meetings, providing financial expertise and recommendations. Provide support for special projects such as mergers, acquisitions, and strategic initiatives.
- Performance Management: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial metrics to assess divisional performance. Identify opportunities for performance improvement and cost optimisation initiatives. Support the Divisional Head in setting targets and tracking progress towards strategic goals.
- Ad Hoc Analysis and Projects: Provide support to the Head of FP&A and undertake ad hoc financial analysis and projects as required by senior management.
Skills and qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (professional qualification such as ACCA/CIMA preferred).
- Proven experience as a Finance Business Partner or similar role within a professional services firm, preferably within the legal industry.
- Strong financial analysis skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
- Experience of financial software and tools, such as SAP, Planful or other Budgeting and modelling tools is desirable.
- Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in financial modelling.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to think critically and contribute to business strategy.
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
- Commercial awareness and understanding of the legal industry dynamics is desirable.
The firm Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm. We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.
Shoosmiths is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. Disability Confident is a government scheme designed to encourage employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term conditions. We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to and usable by everyone. If you have a disability or long-term condition and would like to receive information in a different way, or need us to make any adjustments, changes or do anything differently during the recruitment process, please get in touch with the Talent Acquisition team.
Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.
Finance Business Partner - 12 Month FTC in Birmingham employer: Shoosmiths
Shoosmiths is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that empowers legal professionals to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the firm provides structured learning opportunities and a comprehensive benefits programme, ensuring that every team member can make a meaningful impact while advancing their career in the vibrant city of Birmingham. Join a market-leading Real Estate Litigation team where your expertise will be valued, and your contributions recognised in a supportive environment that champions innovation and ambition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner - 12 Month FTC in Birmingham
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Shoosmiths.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Shoosmiths might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner - 12 Month FTC in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Shoosmiths will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Shoosmiths. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Shoosmiths confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shoosmiths
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Shoosmiths.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Shoosmiths that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
