At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial reporting and analysis while collaborating with project teams.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing engineering firm with exciting expansion plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and full study support for professional qualifications.
- Other info: Immediate start available with clear career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in finance while contributing to a dynamic and expanding business.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified accountant with management accounting experience and strong Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
About Us
W.H Scott & Son (Engineers) Ltd is a well-established and rapidly growing engineering business. With current revenues of £20m and a clear trajectory to reach £45m by 2027, we are entering an exciting phase of expansion. To support this growth, we are strengthening our finance function and are looking for an ambitious Finance Business Partner to join our team in Wickwar. This is a genuine opportunity to grow with the business — you will gain broad exposure across management and project accounting while working closely with senior finance leadership, with full study support to complete your professional qualification.
The Role
Working as part of the wider UK finance team, and alongside and supporting the UK Finance Controller, you will play a key role in the production of timely, accurate financial information and in providing insight that supports commercial decision-making. The role spans not only W.H Scott & Son (Engineers) Ltd but also other UK group companies, including Re-Ropes, giving you genuine breadth of exposure across the group.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the production of monthly management accounts, including accruals, prepayments and journal preparation
- Project accounting: tracking project costs, revenue recognition, margin analysis and reporting on project performance
- Preparation and ownership of balance sheet reconciliations, investigating and resolving reconciling items
- Support the month-end close process, ensuring deadlines are met and reporting packs are delivered on time
- Assist with variance analysis against budget and forecast, providing commentary for management
- Business partner with operational and project teams to improve financial understanding and cost control
- Support continuous improvement of finance processes, controls and systems as the business scales
- Support month-end, reconciliations and reporting for other UK group companies, including Re-Ropes
- Assist with year-end audit preparation and ad hoc analysis as required
About You
Essential
- Part-qualified accountant (CIMA / ACCA / ACA) actively studying towards full qualification
- Solid experience in management accounting, ideally within an engineering, construction, manufacturing or project-based environment
- Strong understanding of balance sheet reconciliations and month-end processes
- Confident Excel skills and comfortable working with accounting/ERP systems
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to work to deadlines
- A proactive, hands-on approach and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues
Desirable
- Experience of project accounting and work-in-progress (WIP) reporting
- Experience in a fast-growing SME environment
- Familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or similar ERP systems
- Knowledge of, or interest in, using AI tools such as Claude to support finance processes and analysis
What We Offer
- Salary of £45,000 – £50,000, dependent on experience
- Discretionary bonus of up to 10%, linked to performance against targets
- Full study support package including paid study leave and course/exam fees (subject to a 3-year study agreement / repayment clause)
- Clear development path within a finance team supporting a business more than doubling in size by 2027
- Immediate start available
W.H Scott & Son (Engineers) Ltd is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Finance Business Partner in Bristol employer: WH Scott Group
WH Scott Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth within a dynamic, people-focused environment. With comprehensive benefits such as a pension scheme, subsidised gym membership, and ongoing CIPD study support, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Erith and Wickwar, the company fosters a collaborative culture where HR Generalists can make a meaningful impact while enjoying the variety of supporting multiple UK sites.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner in Bristol
✨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.
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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.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like WH Scott Group. 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 in Bristol
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 WH Scott Group.
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 WH Scott Group'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 WH Scott Group
✨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 WH Scott Group.
✨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 WH Scott Group 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 WH Scott Group 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.
