At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial performance and strategic planning for a leading energy company.
- Company: Join SSE, a FTSE100 company powering communities with innovative energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, health perks, and family support.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy transition while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: 5 years PQE in finance roles with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 58100 - 78000 £ per year.
Base Location: You'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in one of the following locations - Perth, Glasgow or Reading.
Salary: £58,100 - £78,000 + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available.
The role SSEN Distribution powers 3.8 million homes and businesses in communities across central southern England and the north of Scotland. Our team of more than 3,500 people keep customers connected to a safe and reliable supply of electricity whilst developing the flexible networks that are vital to achieving net zero.
We are consistently investing and innovating to improve network resilience and future-proof power supplies for life’s changing demands, from rolling out large scale EV charging schemes to supporting small community generation projects. We are in our new price control, RIIO-ED2 (2023‑2028), and finance will play a key role in supporting the business in maximising our current settlement.
The Finance Business Partner is focussed on performance improvement, business analysis & insight, strategic business planning, budgeting & forecasting activities. This is a forward‑looking role that will align to a Directorate within Distribution providing timely and effective support and challenge to Senior Business Management stakeholders. This includes the responsibility of the delivery of the monthly forecast, annual budget and 5yr plans.
You will:
- Proactively challenge the Business on financial performance, to drive improvements, providing insight, knowledge and recommendations at Head of / Director level.
- Advise and guide the business on strategic planning activities from a finance perspective in line with our Regulatory business plan reviewing CBAs and other investment appraisals and identifying key risks and opportunities.
- Prepare, co‑ordinate and lead robust Directorate forecasts, budgets and longer‑term planning including stakeholder sign‑off, providing financial insight and challenge as necessary to ensure budgets are accurate, realistic, and aligned with the broader Distribution strategy.
- Work with the business teams to identify and review business cases for capital investments, IT and Operational Technology, Connections proposals and efficiency opportunities to improve the regulatory performance and benchmarking of the business.
You have:
- 5 years PQE with previous experience in a Business Partner / Finance Manager / Management Accountant business‑interfacing role with experience of solving business issues of similar scale and complexity.
- Excellent analytical and financial modelling skills.
- A strong background in a project driven business with understanding of contract management, project delivery and financial planning related to this.
- Excellent skills in interpreting and assimilating from multiple data sources, including external market data, and rendering into meaningful insight and appropriate recommendations and clear actions.
- Experience in influencing strategy and can translate this into actionable programmes, opportunities or activities that result in improved profitability or risk mitigation.
About SSE: SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plans see us investing £33 bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030. Our Finance teams create value for all SSE business areas and play a key role in fulfilling our obligations as a FTSE100 UK‑listed company. In a highly regulated and competitive environment, their experts keep us powering ahead by identifying efficiencies, providing advice and optimising our financial strategies.
Flexible benefits to fit your life: Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.
Equal Opportunity Statement: SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.
Finance Business Partner in Reading employer: SSE PLC
SSE is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth, offering a competitive salary alongside a performance-related bonus and a comprehensive benefits package. With a flexible working pattern and a commitment to innovation in the energy sector, employees are empowered to contribute to meaningful projects that support local communities and drive the transition to net zero. The collaborative work culture fosters professional development, ensuring that team members can thrive while making a positive impact on the future of energy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector, especially those who work at SSE or similar companies. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand SSE’s mission and how your role as a Finance Business Partner can contribute to their goals. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their needs, especially around performance improvement and strategic planning.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial modelling skills! Be ready to showcase your analytical prowess during interviews. You might be asked to solve a case study or provide insights based on data, so brush up on your ability to interpret and present financial information clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest job openings and updates directly from us. Make sure your CV highlights your experience in business partnering and project-driven environments!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in business analysis and financial modelling, to show us you’re the perfect fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you want to join SSE and how your skills align with our mission. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data interpretation and financial insight, make sure to include examples of how you've used your analytical skills to drive performance improvements in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it as we review candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive performance improvements in previous roles.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with SSE's mission and the specific challenges they face in the energy sector. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around net zero and regulatory compliance.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Show your interest by preparing thoughtful questions about the role and the company’s future plans. Ask about their approach to strategic planning and how finance plays a role in achieving their objectives.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement
Highlight your experience in working with senior management and influencing strategy. Share examples of how you've successfully communicated financial insights to non-financial stakeholders to drive decision-making.
