At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategies for a £4bn water infrastructure programme and influence major investment decisions.
- Company: Join South West Water, part of Pennon Group, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, annual bonus, healthcare, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of water services while making a positive impact on communities and the environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with extensive project finance experience and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose. South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes. We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future.
Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and support farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife. Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career. Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
Join South West Water’s Strategic Resource Options Programme at Exeter or Bristol HQ | Hybrid working | Full-time. Up to £90,000 per annum plus an excellent benefits package (experience dependent).
Shape the Future of Water Infrastructure. South West Water is delivering one of the most ambitious infrastructure programmes in the UK—our £4bn+ Strategic Resources Options (SRO) programme. We are seeking a Senior Finance Business Partner to play a pivotal leadership role at the heart of this transformation. This is an opportunity to influence major investment decisions, work alongside senior leaders, regulators, and investors, and help ensure long-term value for customers and communities.
The Role: As Senior Finance Business Partner, you will lead the financial activities supporting programme delivery, acting as a key link between corporate finance, regulatory frameworks, and commercial strategy. You will work closely with the Commercial/Procurement Lead, Regulatory teams, and senior programme leaders to ensure financial integrity, strategic alignment, and value for money outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and deliver the financial strategy for the SRO programme.
- Build, maintain and refine programme financial models, including construction costs, funding structures and risk scenarios.
- Lead financial input into the DPC competitive procurement process, including bid evaluation and financial assessment.
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders including Ofwat, investors, advisers and delivery partners.
- Support affordability frameworks and value-for-money assessments.
- Ensure compliance with Ofwat financial requirements and regulatory capital frameworks.
- Support integration with price review processes and long-term asset strategies.
- Establish and maintain strong financial governance, risk management and reporting processes.
- Conduct financial risk assessments and maintain risk and opportunity registers.
- Lead budgeting and forecasting processes aligned to programme objectives.
- Provide financial insights and analysis to support strategic decision-making.
- Coordinate with internal and external audit teams on programme financial matters.
- Act as the key finance link between the programme and South West Water Finance and Treasury teams.
About you:
Essential:
- Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA or ACA).
- Extensive experience in major project finance environments.
- Strong background in PPP, PFI, DPC or comparable regulated delivery models.
- Proven experience of senior-level business partnering.
- Advanced financial modelling, budgeting and forecasting expertise.
Desirable:
- Experience within water infrastructure or AMP programmes.
- Understanding of regulatory capital frameworks and asset valuation.
Key Skills and Attributes:
- Strong commercial acumen.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience managing senior stakeholders including regulators, investors and executive teams.
- Strong analytical capability with the ability to translate complex data into clear insight.
- A proactive approach with a focus on continuous improvement and efficiency.
Why Join South West Water:
- Be part of a nationally significant infrastructure programme.
- Influence decisions that impact customers, communities and the environment.
- Work with a collaborative and forward-thinking leadership team.
- Gain exposure to high-profile regulatory, commercial and financial strategy.
What's in it for you?
- Competitive Salary – Based on experience and skills.
- Company car or car allowance – Options to support your role.
- Annual Bonus Scheme – Rewarding your performance.
- Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for your future.
- Healthcare Benefits – Access to private healthcare and employee assistance programs.
- Professional Development – Support for career growth with training opportunities.
- Employee Discounts – On various products and services.
- Generous Annual Leave – Take time to recharge with our holiday entitlement.
Closing Date: 22nd October 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness. Our core values, which are essential to our success, are: Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on. Be You - We want you to bring your best every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way. Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
SRO Senior Finance Business Partner in Exeter employer: South West Water Careers
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative work culture that fosters learning and development in the stunning landscapes of the South West. As an Asset Information Technician, you'll enjoy generous benefits including a competitive pension, health support programmes, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to vital infrastructure services that make a real difference in our communities. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and encourages you to bring your authentic self to work every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SRO Senior Finance Business Partner in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like South West Water Careers. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from South West Water Careers.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like South West Water Careers. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace SRO Senior Finance Business Partner in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in South West Water Careers and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show South West Water Careers how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water Careers
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with South West Water Careers.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with South West Water Careers's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
