Finance Business Partner

Finance Business Partner

Full-Time 49000 - 67000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Southern Water

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Provide financial guidance and analysis to support decision-making in Wastewater Treatment.
  • Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in transforming the water industry.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for career growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a transformative journey with significant investment in the future.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on sustainability and innovation.
  • Qualifications: Experience in finance, with a passion for data analysis and stakeholder collaboration.

The predicted salary is between 49000 - 67000 £ per year.

Location: Durrington, Worthing

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full time, Monday to Friday, (flexible working options considered)

Salary: Up to £58,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience, plus benefits

About the role

There has never been a better time to join Southern Water. While we are a mature organisation, we are undergoing significant transformation as we invest in the future of our business, our customers, and the environment. As a Finance Business Partner, you'll play a critical role supporting one of Southern Water's largest and most operationally complex areas – Wastewater Treatment. This is a fast-paced, demanding environment where priorities can shift quickly, and your ability to provide clear, insightful financial guidance will directly influence operational and strategic decision-making. You'll work closely with senior operational leaders, acting as the trusted finance lead for your area, bringing clarity to complex data sets, driving accountability, and helping the business make informed decisions that deliver value for customers.

What you will be responsible for:

  • Acting as the finance lead for your assigned business area, providing trusted financial advice and insight to senior stakeholders across operations.
  • Owning the opex budget and in-year forecasting processes, including guidance on assumptions, efficiencies, risks and opportunities.
  • Delivering in-depth financial analysis, including scenario modelling and cost visibility, to support operational and strategic decisions.
  • Producing and improving financial and KPI reporting, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and meaningful insight across the directorate.
  • Providing financial governance and oversight across multiple work programmes and projects, recommending appropriate actions where required.
  • Building strong relationships with operational and corporate teams to ensure robust financial controls and governance.
  • Continuously improving forecasting techniques and ways of working to enhance financial accuracy and responsiveness in a changing environment.

What you'll bring to the role:

  • Essential Experience working in a Finance Business Partnering, Management Accounting, FP qualified by experience will also be considered.
  • Experience within utilities, infrastructure or other asset-intensive industries (helpful but not essential).
  • Knowledge of Power BI or a willingness to learn.

About Southern Water

Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain's water industry. With £7.8bn of planned investment, we are committed to delivering a generational shift in resilience, sustainability and customer service. You'll be joining during a period of significant change, with the opportunity to make a real impact, influence decision-making, and grow your career in an organisation that values development, collaboration and innovation.

Finance Business Partner employer: Southern Water

Southern Water is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises environmental sustainability and compliance. With a focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities for professional development in the utilities sector, all while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model. Join us in making a meaningful impact on water management and environmental protection in a supportive and innovative environment.

Southern Water

Contact Details:

Southern Water Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Southern Water on LinkedIn or through industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by understanding the company's transformation goals. Show how your financial expertise can support their mission in Wastewater Treatment. Tailor your examples to highlight your impact in similar roles.

Tip Number 3

Practice your financial analysis skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. Bring along examples of your scenario modelling or KPI reporting to impress the interviewers.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Southern Water team.

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner

Financial Analysis
Budget Management
Forecasting
Scenario Modelling
KPI Reporting
Financial Governance
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Finance Business Partner role. Highlight relevant experience in finance, especially in management accounting or business partnering, and don’t forget to mention any work in utilities or asset-intensive industries if you have it!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role at Southern Water. Share specific examples of how you've provided financial guidance in complex environments and how you can bring value to our team.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves delivering in-depth financial analysis, make sure to highlight your analytical skills. Mention any experience with scenario modelling or financial reporting, and how you've used data to influence decision-making in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success! It’s straightforward, and you’ll be able to attach all your documents easily. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Southern Water!

How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water

Know Your Numbers

As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence decision-making in previous roles. This shows you can bring clarity to complex data sets.

Understand the Industry

Familiarise yourself with the utilities and wastewater treatment sector. Knowing the challenges and opportunities within this industry will help you speak confidently about how your skills can contribute to Southern Water's transformation and goals.

Build Relationships

Highlight your experience in building strong relationships with stakeholders. Be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated with operational teams to drive accountability and improve financial governance. This is crucial for the role!

Showcase Your Adaptability

In a fast-paced environment like this, priorities can shift quickly. Prepare to discuss times when you've successfully adapted to change or improved forecasting techniques. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a dynamic setting.