At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in shaping corporate finance strategies and support Partner growth.
- Company: Join St. James's Place, an inclusive employer committed to diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Partner success and drive innovative financial solutions.
- Qualifications: Chartered Accountant with extensive corporate finance experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
This job is with St.
James's Place, an inclusive employer and a member of my Gwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced Corporate Finance professional to lead our Partner Finance Structuring team, reporting directly to the Divisional Director of Corporate Finance.
Managing a team of five subject‑matter experts, you will shape the strategic direction of our Corporate Finance capability, ensure lending propositions support Partner growth and succession, and act as the senior escalation point on complex financial cases.
This role is pivotal in enabling Partners to make informed business decisions, ensuring lending is affordable, sustainable, and aligned with external funding requirements.
- What you'll be doing
- Setting the strategic vision, priorities and objectives for the Corporate Finance Associates to ensure Partner relationships are managed effectively and transactions are structured appropriately for external funding.
- Working closely with the Partner Finance Consultancy team to support Partner conversations regarding lending options for business acquisitions and growth.
- Acting as the primary escalation point for complex Partner cases, guiding Partner Finance Consultants in resolving challenges.
- Serving as the recognised subject matter expert in cashflow modelling, corporate valuations and complex financial structuring.
- Leading the development, implementation and communication of lending propositions that underpin SJP's strategic goals, enabling Partner growth and facilitating business exits.
- Assessing financial and non‑financial factors of Partner businesses to produce high‑quality transaction proposals for senior management and committees including the Credit Advisory Forum.
- Providing leadership, coaching and professional development to a team of five, ensuring performance, capability growth, and alignment to SJP's values.
- Ensuring compliance with conduct standards, Consumer Duty requirements and all relevant regulatory expectations.
- Collaborating with internal specialists across Risk, Legal and Partner Finance to deliver well‑reasoned, innovative solutions.
- Preparing and presenting verbal and written updates to senior stakeholders and committees.
- Managing business continuity responsibilities for your team and supporting controlled recovery efforts when required.
- Who we're looking for
We are seeking a strategically minded, analytical leader with deep corporate finance expertise and a passion for developing others.
You will be confident engaging with senior stakeholders and Partners, able to navigate complex financial scenarios and influence outcomes effectively.
With strong commercial acumen and excellent communication skills, you will play a key role in shaping how lending supports the long‑term sustainability and success of the Partnership.
Essential criteria
- Chartered Accountant (or equivalent professional qualification at RQF Level 7).
- Extensive corporate finance experience, including financial modelling and valuations.
- Proven leadership capability with experience managing and developing teams.
- Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder‑management skills.
Desirable criteria
- Experience working within Partner‑led or professional services business models.
- Prior exposure to credit decisioning, lending structures or financial services regulatory environments.
Head of Corporate Finance employer: St. James's Place
St. James’s Place is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in Cirencester, this hybrid role as a Data Privacy Manager not only provides competitive benefits such as parental leave and health insurance but also fosters an environment where employees can thrive through collaboration and engagement with diverse stakeholders in the regulated financial services sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Corporate Finance
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
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Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Corporate Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to St. James's Place.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on St. James's Place's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at St. James's Place
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with St. James's Place.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at St. James's Place will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former St. James's Place employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
