Finance Business Partner

Finance Business Partner – Job Description Job Title Finance Business Partner Reports To Head of Finance / Finance Director Purpose of the Role The Finance Business Partner acts as a trusted advisor to operational and business leaders, providing financial insight, challenge, and support to drive performance, improve decision-making, and deliver business objectives. The role bridges finance and operations, ensuring financial implications are understood and incorporated into strategic and operational planning. Key Responsibilities Financial Planning Analysis Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning activities for assigned business areas. Produce accurate and timely financial reporting and performance analysis. Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, identifying risks and opportunities. Support investment appraisals, business cases, and strategic initiatives. Business Partnering Develop strong relationships with operational managers and senior stakeholders. Provide robust financial challenge and commercial insight to support decision-making. Translate complex financial information into clear and actionable recommendations. Support business leaders in achieving operational and financial targets. Performance Management Analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) and identify trends affecting performance. Drive accountability for financial results across the business. Recommend actions to improve profitability, efficiency, and value creation. Support continuous improvement initiatives across finance and operational functions. Financial Control Governance Ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and controls. Support month-end and year-end reporting processes. Assist with audit requirements and regulatory reporting where required. Promote strong financial discipline throughout the business. Strategic Support Contribute to business strategy development and execution. Assess the financial impact of operational and commercial decisions. Provide scenario modelling and sensitivity analysis to support planning. Support change programmes and transformation initiatives. Key Stakeholders Finance Director / CFO Heads of Department Operational Managers Commercial Teams Project Managers Executive Leadership Team Knowledge, Skills Experience Essential Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent). Significant experience in finance business partnering, FP A, or commercial finance. Strong financial modelling and analytical skills. Advanced Excel skills and experience using financial systems. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders constructively. Desirable Experience within a regulated utility, infrastructure, engineering, or operational business. Knowledge of Power BI or other data visualisation tools. Experience supporting large-scale projects or transformation programmes. Key Competencies Commercial awareness Strategic thinking Influencing and negotiation Problem solving Decision-making Relationship building Attention to detail Continuous improvement mindset Success Measures Delivery of accurate budgets and forecasts. Improved financial performance and cost control. High-quality management information and insights. Positive stakeholder feedback. Successful delivery of business cases and strategic initiatives. Strong compliance with financial governance requirements.