At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with senior leaders to drive financial performance and profitability.
- Company: Join Zen, the UK's largest independent telecoms provider, committed to people and planet.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days annual leave, private healthcare, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-stakes finance role while embracing innovation.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong finance business partnering experience required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
We're looking for a commercially sharp Finance Business Partner to join our finance team on a 12-month fixed-term basis, covering a period of maternity leave.
The role is expected to start in early January.
This is a high-impact, MD-facing role: you'll provide dedicated finance support to our Partner and Consumer divisions, trusted to challenge performance, sharpen decision-making and help the business understand what's really driving the numbers.
As a fixed-term cover, we need someone who can hit the ground running — confident partnering senior stakeholders from day one, quick to grasp the commercial model, and comfortable holding their own with Executive Committee (Exco) and Senior Management Team (SMT) stakeholders.
The role
- Partner the Managing Directors and leadership of our Partner and Consumer divisions, providing the insight, challenge and financial perspective they need to drive performance and profitability.
- Get under the skin of each division's commercial drivers — and use that understanding to challenge performance, identify where we can do better, and hold the business to account against its plans.
- Own and develop meaningful KPIs and performance measures that drive the right behaviours and inform decisions.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and monthly rolling P&L forecasting for your areas.
- Review revenue, cost of sales and margin across the full product portfolio, with the support of colleagues.
- Use automation and AI tooling to streamline recurring reporting and analysis — freeing up your time for the forward‑looking, strategic work that adds the most value.
- Contribute to month‑end and year‑end close, revenue & marketing accounting, balance sheet reconciliations and audit.
- Deliver ad‑hoc analysis and support profit optimisation projects across the business.
What we're looking for
- A qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with strong finance business partnering experience.
- Proven confidence partnering and challenging senior stakeholders — someone who questions assumptions, pushes for better, and is heard in the room at Exco / SMT level.
- A commercial mindset, with a track record of understanding business drivers and turning them into meaningful KPIs and insight.
- Comfortable using automation and AI tools to work smarter — or genuinely keen to.
- Strong analytical skills and advanced Excel; experience with Sage 200 (or similar) and Power BI is an advantage.
- Telecoms or ISP experience is strongly preferred, given the pace at which you'll need to get up to speed.
You’ll join a supportive, ambitious and trusted finance team that's investing in automation and AI to spend less time on the mechanics of reporting and more on the analysis and partnering that move the business forward.
We’re building an inclusive work environment
At Zen, your individuality matters.
Your gender, race, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, neurodiversity, background, and everything else that makes you who you are, we value it all.
We want you to feel seen, respected, and supported from the very start of your journey with us.
Our Values shape how we work and who we are.
We celebrate diversity and build strong communities where everyone belongs.
We put people and the planet before profit, and we’re ambitious about the future, always learning, innovating, and striving to deliver award-winning service.
Together, this means you’ll find opportunities not just to grow your career, but to make a meaningful impact.
We’re always open to conversations about part‑time or flexible working, or reasonable adjustments, and we’ll support you wherever we can.
Please feel comfortable sharing your preferences during the recruitment process.
- 2 x Life Assurance Cover, with option to flex upwards
- 25 days Annual leave, rising to 30 days with length of service, with the option to purchase up to 5 more.
- Access to private Medical Healthcare and a Healthcare Cash Plan
- An extra day off for your birthday
- Car salary sacrifice scheme
- Continuous learning and development
- Discounted Mobile plans
- Flexible and Hybrid working
- Free onsite parking
- Internal coaching and mentoring opportunities
- Onsite Contemplation and Prayer room
- Onsite Electric Car Charging points
- Optional flexible critical illness cover
- People-friendly policies
- Recognition awards where we celebrate the most awesome people
- Salary sacrifice Pension- minimum of 3% Employee contributions for a 5% Employer contribution
- Six monthly salary reviews
- Subsidised Nursery fees
- Subsidised Onsite Restaurant
- Superfast Free Reliable Broadband
- Travel Loan and Ride2Work Schemes
- Two days’ paid leave per year for voluntary work
- About Zen
At Zen, we’re redefining what it means to be a business, not just through what we do, but how we do it. We believe there’s a better way of doing business.
As the UK’s largest independently owned telecommunications and technology provider, we put people and planet before profit.
We’re here for the long term, never for sale and driven by our purpose: Do right for people and planet.
Being a certified B Corp is just one way we demonstrate our commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
From award‑winning services and industry‑leading customer support to our focus on sustainability and community.
Everything we do is guided by our core values, and yours.
At Zen, we know that our strength lies in our people.
That’s why we celebrate individuality and diversity, creating a workplace where everyone belongs.
We bring together our Zen values and personal values to build a supportive, open, and inclusive environment.
Together, we grow, both as professionals and as people.
We’re proud to be recognised as a Great Place to Workacross multiple categories: Large Organisation, Wellbeing, Women, Development, and Technology, a reflection of the inclusive, empowering, and future‑focused culture we’ve created.
We’re ambitious.
We embrace innovation and welcome change.
We challenge ourselves to think differently, improve constantly, and lead by example.
We see every challenge is an opportunity.
Every voice matters.
And every success fuels a much bigger purpose.
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Finance Business Partner - 12m Fixed Term employer: Zen Internet Ltd
Zen Internet Ltd. is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills in a supportive environment. With a focus on customer satisfaction and teamwork, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying competitive benefits and a flexible work-life balance, especially in the vibrant location of our offices. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that values your contributions and invests in your professional journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner - 12m Fixed Term
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Zen Internet Ltd.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Zen Internet Ltd might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner - 12m Fixed Term
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Zen Internet Ltd will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Zen Internet Ltd. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Zen Internet Ltd confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zen Internet Ltd
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Zen Internet Ltd.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Zen Internet Ltd that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
