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- Tasks: Support UK team leaders with financial performance and strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join WaterAid, a global leader in providing clean water and sanitation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days of holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global water issues while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Professional accounting qualification and experience in financial planning required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 51000 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent, Full-time, 35 hours per week
Location: London, UK
UK hybrid working – a minimum of 40% of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel). 60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.
Salary: £48,867 - 51,439 per year with excellent benefits.
Change starts with water. Change starts with you. Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere.
About WaterAid: We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.
About the team: This position sits within the UK Finance team, specifically within the Management Accounting team based in London. The Management Accounting team is responsible for providing robust reporting and analysis across the organisation, to ensure that WaterAid UK makes effective financial decisions and long-term plans aligned with the 10-year strategy.
About the role: As our Finance Business Partner you will regularly support and advise UK team leaders and senior managers to review financial aspects of their financial performance and plans, working closely with People, Finance & IT, Policy and Campaigns, and parts of the international programmes directorates.
- Regularly advise UK team leaders and senior managers to review financial aspects of their operational plans.
- Continue to develop the systematic forecasting process for departments and ensure robust 3-year financial plans are implemented.
- Support strategic decision making on long-term financial plans and modelling, supporting WAUK's 10-year strategy.
- Develop enhanced self-service reporting relevant at budget holder and department level that supports optimal decision-making.
- Create efficient finance processes that best deliver the needs of the organisation.
- Provide training and advice to build the financial management competencies of budget holders.
- Work closely with the wider finance and IS team on delivering the organisational priorities.
To be successful, you will need:
- Completed a professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA).
- Experience of formulating, overseeing and reporting on operational plans, including KPIs.
- Demonstrable innovative ability; using data and insight to inform recommendations for improvements to products, processes or activities.
- Proven experience of using insight and analysis to provide trends, inform and drive business decisions.
- Keen interest in information systems, ability to learn new systems quickly.
- Experience of accounting for restricted funds, preferably in an international organisation.
- Adaptability to build effective working relationships with both finance and non-finance colleagues and work in a collaborative way.
- Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise and co-ordinate multiple tasks and confident to work independently.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have:
- Working knowledge of a budgeting and forecasting system.
- Experience of using Power BI.
- Working knowledge of SUN Vision Excel, or a similar multi-dimensional accounting system.
- Knowledge of donor reporting requirements / experience of reporting to donors.
- Knowledge of development issues and the sector.
Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on 9th January 2026. Interviews may be scheduled on a rolling basis, and the role may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found.
How to apply: Click Apply to complete the pre-screening questions and upload your CV.
Why are you interested in applying for this role, and what relevant experience do you have? What do you know about WaterAid and why do you want to work with us?
Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application? At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.
Pre-employment screening: To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Benefits include:
- 36 days’ holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays)
- Option to buy an extra 5 days’ annual leave
- Employer pension contribution up to 10%
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Season ticket loan
- Free annual eye tests
- ‘Give as you Earn’ charitable giving scheme
- Enhanced parental leave (maternity, adoption/surrogacy, shared parental and paternity)
- Sabbaticals
- One paid volunteer day each year
As part of our annual leave policy, all employees receive three additional days of annual leave on top of their standard allocation of 25 days. These days are designated to cover the period when our UK office closes between Christmas and New Year, allowing all UK WaterAiders to take a well-deserved break. These days are automatically scheduled and cannot be changed or moved. Annual leave is accrued based on your start date. If sufficient leave has not been accrued by the time of the closure, the 3 days will be taken as unpaid leave or pro-rated, depending on your circumstances.
Our People Promise: We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.
Equal Opportunities: We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.
Safeguarding: We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).
Together, we’ll change the world through water. Join us and be part of the change!
Finance Business Partner employer: WaterAid
Contact Detail:
WaterAid Recruiting 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 or former employees at WaterAid on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research WaterAid’s mission and values, and think about how your skills as a Finance Business Partner align with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on articulating your experience with financial planning and analysis, and how you can contribute to WaterAid’s long-term strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows you’re genuinely interested and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for WaterAid: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for WaterAid shine through! Share why you care about clean water and sanitation, and how that aligns with our mission. We want to see your genuine interest in making a difference.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored specifically for the Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete the pre-screening questions and upload your CV easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at WaterAid
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and KPIs relevant to WaterAid's operations. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Understand WaterAid's Mission
Familiarise yourself with WaterAid's vision and values. Show genuine enthusiasm for their mission to provide clean water and sanitation. Prepare examples of how your personal values align with theirs, as this will resonate well during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you had to analyse financial data or develop strategic plans. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, highlight your ability to build relationships with both finance and non-finance colleagues. Share specific examples of successful collaborations and how they led to improved financial outcomes.
