Finance Business Partner

Finance Business Partner

Full-Time 48304 - 53329 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
West London College

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support financial planning and drive performance across the College.
  • Company: Join West London College, a hub of innovation and creativity.
  • Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career growth potential.
  • 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

  • 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.

Equal Opportunities

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.

Safeguarding Statement

West London College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

Finance Business Partner employer: West London College

West London College is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. With a commitment to employee development and a supportive work environment, staff enjoy excellent benefits such as generous holiday allowances, professional development opportunities, and access to a range of employee perks. Located in Hammersmith, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on students' futures while working alongside dedicated professionals in a diverse educational setting.
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 a numbers person but someone who can drive performance and add real value.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills! Being able to communicate complex financial matters to non-financial colleagues is key. Think of examples where you’ve successfully done this in the past.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our innovative and inclusive team.

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner

Budgeting
Financial Reporting
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Accounting Experience
Procurement and Contract Management
Management Accounts Production
Financial Analysis
Training and Development
Compliance Knowledge
Treasury Management
AAT Qualification or Equivalent
Team Management
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience in budgeting, financial reporting, and stakeholder management. We want to see how your skills align with our values of Ambition and Innovation!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about joining West London College and how you can contribute to our mission. Remember, we love creativity and collaboration, so let your personality come through!

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be explaining complex financial matters to non-financial colleagues, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. In your application, give examples of how you've successfully communicated financial information in the past. We value Accountability and Inclusion!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our college culture there!

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 business decisions.

✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills

You'll be working closely with budget holders, so it's crucial to highlight your experience in stakeholder management. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex financial information to non-financial colleagues, ensuring they understand the implications for their departments.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about scenarios where you've had to recommend corrective actions or improve financial processes. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions.

✨Align with Their Values

West London College values ambition, innovation, and collaboration. Research these values and think of examples from your career that align with them. Showing that you share their commitment to inclusion and engagement will set you apart as a candidate who fits their culture.

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