At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Finance team to drive financial performance and support educational objectives.
- Company: West London College, a diverse and innovative educational institution.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, eye care vouchers, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified AAT or part-qualified accountant with strong budgeting and reporting skills.
The predicted salary is between 48304 - 53329 £ per year.
Employer: West London College
Location: London, Greater London
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Salary: £48,304 – £53,329 per annum
Closing Date: 22/05/2026
Location: Hammersmith Campus (with occasional travel to other sites as required)
About us
At West London College, we are committed to championing innovation and creativity, and we invite you to join us on this journey. We welcome applicants who can share our values of Ambition, Innovation, Accountability, Collaboration and Inclusion. We have three college sites across West London: Ealing, Hammersmith, and Southall. By bringing your skills to the College, you will have a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in our students’ education and future.
As a diverse College in the UK, we offer an exciting, innovative and stimulating work environment with a wide variety of employment opportunities and a culture focused on Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Finance Business Partner to join our Finance team. In this key role, you will work closely with the Director of Finance and act as a trusted partner to budget holders across the College. You will proactively identify, plan and meet the financial needs of the business to drive improved performance and ensure value for money.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Assisting with the preparation of annual budgets, management accounts, and cashflow reports.
- Monitoring the financial position of all cost centres, advising managers, and recommending corrective action where required.
- Supporting procurement and contract management, ensuring compliance and best practice.
- Contributing to the year-end accounts, grant claims, VAT returns, and treasury management.
- Training and supporting managers and staff to improve financial awareness and accountability.
- Acting as deputy for the Director of Finance when required.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work at the heart of the College, influencing financial decisions and supporting both commercial and educational objectives.
What we’re looking for
You will be a qualified AAT or part-qualified accountant (CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW), or qualified by experience, with at least three years’ accounting experience. You will have strong skills in budgeting, financial reporting, and stakeholder management, with excellent communication skills to explain complex financial matters to non-financial colleagues. Experience managing staff, using finance systems, and producing management accounts is essential.
What we offer
Our team are important to us, and we offer a wide range of benefits to recognise the hard work put into supporting our learners. As a team member, you will receive:
- Excellent Holiday Allowance, plus bank holidays (8) and College closure days at Christmas (3)
- Eye care vouchers
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Interest-free loans for Season tickets; Computers
- Contributory average salary with Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Continuous Professional Development Events (CPD)
- Access to Perkbox, our rewards and discount platform
- Access to the College's Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Discount at the College's on-site hair and beauty salon
Important Information
The safety and welfare of our learners and staff are extremely important to us, and this is why we pride ourselves on our safeguarding procedures. As part of our commitment to safeguarding, successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Please note it is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activities relevant to children.
We encourage and welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or identity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnership.
To apply, please complete an application form before the closing date specified, as CVs will not be accepted. Please ensure you also include a supporting statement as part of your application, addressing how you meet the Person Specification.
In submitting your application for this position, it is strictly prohibited to use any form of AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools or automation. By applying, you confirm that all content is your own and not generated or assisted by AI.
We reserve the right to close the submission deadline earlier than expected, so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.
Finance Business Partner employer: West London Co
West London College is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and professional development. Located in the heart of London, the college provides its staff with opportunities for growth through continuous training and engagement with industry professionals, ensuring that educators can deliver relevant and impactful learning experiences. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion, employees are supported in creating a positive environment that empowers learners to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner
✨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.
✨Get Certified
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.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
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.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like West London Co. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner
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 West London Co.
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 West London Co'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 West London Co
✨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 West London Co.
✨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 West London Co 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 West London Co 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.
