Finance Business Partner

Finance, Birmingham (and attendance at other offices as required)

Main information

Advanced

Term type:

Contract

Duration:

12 month FTC

Working hours:

(min two days per week in office)

Team:

Finance

Location:

Birmingham (and attendance at other offices as required)

The role

As a Finance Business Partner you will play a pivotal role in supporting one of our Legal Divisions by providing financial insights, analysis, and strategic guidance. Reporting to the Head of FP&A, you will collaborate closely with the Divisional Head and management team and key stakeholders to drive financial performance and support decision-making processes within the division.

Main responsibilities:

Financial Analysis and Reporting:

Conduct regular financial analysis to assess the division's performance against budgets, forecasts, and targets.

Prepare insightful financial reports, dashboards, and presentations for management review.

Financial modelling and scenario planning to provide deeper insights into potential business outcomes and challenge business decisions.

Identify trends, risks, and opportunities to support strategic decision-making.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

Assist in the development and consolidation of divisional budgets and forecasts.

Work closely with the Divisional Leadership to understand business drivers and assumptions.

Collaborating with other finance team members to ensure consistency and accuracy in financial planning.

Provide variance analysis and explanations to support budget holders in managing their financial performance.

Business Partnering:

Serve as a trusted advisor to the Divisional Head and other senior stakeholders, providing financial insights and guidance.

Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments such as Finance, HR, and Business Operations to support business objectives.

Actively participate in divisional meetings, providing financial expertise and recommendations.

Provide support for special projects such as mergers, acquisitions, and strategic initiatives.?

Performance Management:

Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial metrics to assess divisional performance.

Identify opportunities for performance improvement and cost optimisation initiatives.

Support the Divisional Head in setting targets and tracking progress towards strategic goals.

Ad Hoc Analysis and Projects

Provide support to the Head of FP&A and undertake ad hoc financial analysis and projects as required by senior management.

Skills and qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (professional qualification such as ACCA/CIMA preferred).

Proven experience as a Finance Business Partner or similar role within a professional services firm, preferably within the legal industry.

Strong financial analysis skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

Experience of financial software and tools, such as SAP, Planful or other Budgeting and modelling tools is desirable.

Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in financial modelling.

Strategic mindset with the ability to think critically and contribute to business strategy.

Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.

Commercial awareness and understanding of the legal industry dynamics is desirable.

The firm

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves…