At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial decisions and drive performance across the College.
- Company: Join West London College, a diverse and innovative educational institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent holiday allowance, professional development, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on inclusion and career growth.
- 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.
Hours: 36 hours per week
Contract: Full time, permanent
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 College
Contact Detail:
West London College 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 your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might have insights into the role of a Finance Business Partner. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and understanding the specific needs of West London College. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who gets their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to explain complex financial matters to non-financial colleagues, so being able to break things down simply is key. Try explaining some concepts to friends or family to get the hang of it.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at West London College.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Finance Business Partner and tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experience match our needs.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how you meet the Person Specification. Be specific about your achievements and experiences that relate to budgeting, financial reporting, and stakeholder management.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be explaining complex financial matters to non-financial colleagues, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to show us you can make finance accessible to everyone.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at West London College.
How to prepare for a job interview at West London College
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you can not only crunch numbers but also interpret them to drive decisions.
✨Understand the College's Values
West London College values Ambition, Innovation, Accountability, Collaboration, and Inclusion. Familiarise yourself with these values and think of examples from your experience that align with them. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show you're a good cultural fit.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific financial challenges or scenarios. Prepare by thinking through past experiences where you've successfully managed budgets or improved financial performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll need to explain complex financial matters to non-financial colleagues. Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Consider preparing a brief explanation of a financial concept or report that you can share during the interview.