At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial performance and commercial decision-making in a fast-growing manufacturing environment.
- Company: High-growth manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and clear progression opportunities.
- Other info: High-visibility role with exposure to senior leadership and dynamic growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact while shaping reporting and processes in a people-first culture.
- Qualifications: ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with strong commercial acumen and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Penrith (Hybrid)
Salary: £60,000-£65,000 + Bonus
Reporting to: Head of Finance
About the Company
Our client is an established, high growth manufacturer with a strong reputation for producing high-quality products supplied to major retailers across the UK. Headquartered in Penrith, the business has built its success on a combination of expertise and continuous investment in innovation, automation and operational excellence. They are currently scaling their commercial and operational capabilities to support increased demand and expansion across product ranges and customer channels. The culture is collaborative and hands-on, with a strong focus on quality, efficiency and continuous improvement.
This is a business where finance plays a key strategic role, working closely with operations and commercial teams to drive performance, improve margins, and support data-led decision making as the organisation continues its growth journey.
The Role
Sowena Group have been exclusively retained to recruit for a Commercial Finance Business Partner. You will play a key role in supporting the financial performance and commercial decision-making across sales and production within a fast-growing manufacturing environment. Acting as a trusted partner to both finance and operational teams, the role will ensure accuracy and insightful commercial reporting, while helping to drive improved profitability, cost efficiency, and customer performance. Reporting into the Head of Finance, this is a highly visible position that combines core financial reporting responsibilities with forward-looking commercial analysis, budgeting and forecasting, and continuous improvement of management information and reporting systems. The role will also support the development of junior team members as the finance function continues to scale. This offers genuine ownership of the commercial finance function, with the opportunity to shape and embed your own approach and make a tangible impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Preparation of the Revenue Recognition adjustment
- Preparation of the monthly Sales report for the Finance Director for inclusion in the Management report
- Preparation of reports on Rebates and Commissions payable to customers and agents and prepare and post monthly accrual
- Assist in the Development and preparation of Sales and Contribution reports for the Commercial Team
- Analysis of Customer performance for Sales and Contribution alongside Sales, providing guidance into maximising Contribution
- Supporting the preparation of the annual Budget and periodic forecasting processes and continuously improve budgeting, financial projections, and operating forecast
- Preparation of 13-week Cash-flow in-flow forecast on a monthly basis
- Supporting systems development. Assessing trends in manufacturing performance, preparing margins by customer, product portfolio and segment
- Act as a key driver in the structuring of the overall MI suite, for delivering the business requirements on an automated basis
- Working with a cross functional team to identify areas to focus on improving business performance by analysing KPI trends relating to financial metrics such as sales, expenditures, and profit margin
- Working closely with the Operations teams to develop activity-based costings and trending to identify areas for improvement
- Monitor KPIs and identify the cause of any unexpected variances
- Partnering with the commercial teams to develop more robust pricing tools & processes
- Ad-hoc business performance reporting
- Presentation of monthly and quarterly financial reports of various units and departments
- Project lead for automating reporting, blueprinting business requirements and working with central BI experts
- Implementation of a business intelligence tool and dashboard reporting
- Developing financial models and analyse them to support strategic initiatives
- Support management team with data-driven analysis
About You
- ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified
- Strong commercial acumen with experience in business partnering
- Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insight
- Experience working in a manufacturing or similar environment (desirable)
- Proven track record of driving performance through KPIs and financial analysis
- Confident communicator with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
Why Join?
- A scaling business with strong growth ambitions and a people-first culture
- High-visibility role with exposure to senior leadership
- Opportunity to shape reporting, processes, and commercial decision-making
- Clear progression as the business continues to expand
Finance Business Partner in Penrith employer: Sowena Group
Join a dynamic and high-growth manufacturer based in Penrith, where you will play a pivotal role as a Finance Business Partner in a collaborative and hands-on culture. With a strong focus on quality and continuous improvement, this company offers excellent employee growth opportunities, a people-first approach, and the chance to make a tangible impact on commercial decision-making while working closely with senior leadership. Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus potential, and the flexibility of a hybrid work environment as you contribute to the company's ambitious expansion plans.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner in Penrith
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance industry, especially those who work in manufacturing. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and how finance plays a role in their success. This will help you show that you're not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets their business.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in financial analysis and business partnering can drive performance and improve margins. Make it clear that you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner in Penrith
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Business Partner role. Highlight relevant experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and commercial analysis. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven performance and improved profitability in previous roles. Let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires advanced analytical skills, be sure to include examples of how you've translated data into actionable insights. We love seeing candidates who can turn numbers into stories that drive decision-making.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on joining our growing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sowena Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the manufacturing sector, such as margins, cash flow forecasts, and KPIs. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive performance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of how you've translated complex data into actionable insights. Think about specific instances where your analysis led to improved profitability or cost efficiency. This will show that you can not only crunch numbers but also make strategic decisions based on them.
✨Understand the Business
Research the company’s products, market position, and recent developments. Familiarise yourself with their operational challenges and think about how your role as a Finance Business Partner can help address these. This knowledge will impress your interviewers and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves partnering with various teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you've influenced senior stakeholders in the past. Role-playing common interview questions with a friend can help you refine your delivery and boost your confidence.
