Finance Business Partner (Retail) in London

Finance Business Partner (Retail) in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Zurich Insurance Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Retail Finance team to provide financial insights and support strategic decision-making.
  • Company: Zurich is a leading global insurer committed to sustainability and employee wellbeing.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a 12% pension scheme, annual bonuses, and private medical insurance.
  • Other info: We value diversity and inclusion, offering a welcoming environment for all applicants.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while growing your career with a supportive team.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong communication skills; experience in finance preferred but not essential.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Working hours: This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis
Location: London, Swindon or Fareham (office presence will be required in our London office approximately twice a month with occasional travel to other offices.)
Closing Date: 29th July 2025
At Zurich, we are committed to supporting every employee to progress in their careers and therefore encourage internal moves through a transparent posting and selection process. We also ask you to inform your current line manager about your application beyond the first interviews in the spirit of transparency.
The opportunity:
Are you ready to make an impact in a fast-paced, growing business? We\'re looking for a Finance Business Partner to join our Retail Finance team.
In this role, you\'ll:

  • Collaborate across finance teams and the business, supporting leadership and stakeholders with clear financial insights and analysis.
  • Partner with teams across the Retail business, supporting monthly close, forecasting, planning, and sharing key financial updates.
  • Help drive strategy and support strategic decision-making, providing financial models and analysis.
If you thrive in a forward-thinking environment and want the chance to grow your career while making a real difference, we\'d love to hear from you!
Many of our employees work flexibly in a variety of different ways, including part-time, flexible hours, job share, an element of working from home or compressed hours. This is because we want the best people for our roles, and we recognise that sometimes those people aren\'t available full-time. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may need.
What will you be doing?
  • Supporting the monthly finance close ensuring the accurate submission of revenue and commission as well as P&L reporting.
  • Perform financial analysis to highlight potential areas of concern and areas of opportunity. Share these with the relevant business teams to support decision making.
  • Creating clear, insightful reports and commentaries on performance, deep diving into relevant P&L metrics, sub segments and line of business level reporting.
  • Active member of the leadership teams with monthly playback of results to stakeholders acting as the finance contact point for any queries relating to financial information or trends.
  • Ownership of Retail annual planning cycle for the individual lines of business and subsegments to support the overall Retail MFU plan.
  • Support specific Retail projects where necessary in MFU\'s area of responsibility, including deal modelling for new opportunities or renewals.
  • Provide guidance and mentoring support for team members, with opportunities for line management of junior team members.
What are we looking for?
  • Qualified Accountant
  • Experience in an accounting role within an Insurance or Financial Services organisation would be desirable
  • Strong communication skills, ability to be clear and effective in communicating with people at all levels
  • Good level of numeric ability to understand, evaluate and interpret data
  • People Management experience desirable but not essential
  • Eager to learn, grow, and make a difference
  • Great at working collaboratively with others
What happens next?
As an inclusive employer we want to ensure that all candidates feel comfortable and are able to perform at their best during the interview. You\'ll have the opportunity to let us know of any reasonable adjustment or practical support needed when you apply.
What will you get in return?
Everyone\'s different. That\'s why at Zurich, we offer a wide range of employee benefits so our people can choose what fits them and their life. Our benefits provide real flexibility so our people can make considered choices and tailor their benefits throughout the year. Our benefits include 12% defined non-contributory pension scheme, annual company bonus, private medical insurance and the option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday.
Follow the link for more information about our benefits - Employee benefits | Working at Zurich Insurance UK
Who we are:
At Zurich we aspire to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world and the best global insurer. Together we\'re creating a brighter future for our customers, our people and our planet.
With over 55,000 employees in more than 170 countries, you\'ll feel the support of being part of a strong and stable company who are a long-standing player in the insurance industry.
We\'ve made a promise to each other and every employee; to focus on sustainable impact, to care about each other\'s wellbeing, to use our diverse expertise to be curious and optimistic and to develop the skills needed for our future.
If you\'re interested in working in a dynamic and challenging environment for a company that recognises and rewards your creativity, initiatives and contributions - then Zurich could be just the place for you. Be part of something great.
Our Culture:
At Zurich, our sense of community is strong and we\'re particularly passionate about diversity and inclusion, which we\'ve won numerous awards for. We want our people to bring the whole of themselves to work and ensure everybody is made to feel welcome, regardless of their background, beliefs or culture. We want our employees to reflect the diversity of our customers, and so are committed to treating all of our applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, disability or any other protected characteristic.
We\'ve an environment that places a real importance on our people\'s wellbeing from a physical, mental, social and financial perspective. We work with our wellbeing partners and industry experts to provide the best advice and access to a wealth of lifestyle support. We\'re also committed to continuous improvement and we offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.
We\'re passionate about supporting employees to help others by getting involved in volunteering, charitable and community activity. Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, is one of the longest-established corporate trusts in the UK. In that time, we\'ve awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over £90 million.
So make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported, Love what you do. Work for us.
The financials
  • 12% defined non-contributory pension scheme.
  • Annual company bonus.
  • Income Protection.
  • Life cover - four times your salary.
Time away
  • 25 days holiday a year plus bank holidays.
  • You can also request to swap UK bank holidays for days off that have cultural or religious significance to you.
  • The option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday.
  • Three days paid volunteering.
  • Up to 16 weeks\' full pay for maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
Your health is important to us
  • Access to Private medical insurance.
  • Virtual GP appointments.
  • Discounted gym membership.
  • Free flu jab.
  • Access to a wealth of support from our wellbeing partners.
We\'re making a difference
  • Creating a brighter, more sustainable future underpins all that we do here in Zurich. We were the first insurer to sign the \'UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C\' pledge.
  • Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, has awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over £90 million.

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Finance Business Partner (Retail) in London employer: Zurich Insurance Group

At Zurich, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of inclusivity and support, particularly for our Finance Business Partner role in London. With flexible working options, a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, and a wealth of development opportunities, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the retail finance sector.

Zurich Insurance Group

Contact Details:

Zurich Insurance Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner (Retail) in London

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

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We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner (Retail) in London

Qualified Accountant
Financial Analysis
Revenue and Commission Reporting
P&L Reporting
Forecasting and Planning
Financial Modelling
Strong Communication Skills

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 Zurich Insurance 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 Zurich Insurance 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 Zurich Insurance 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 Zurich Insurance 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 Zurich Insurance 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 Zurich Insurance 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.