Head of Finance Business Partnering

Final date to receive applications: 21 November 2026

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Southbank, London

Compensation: £70,000 / year

We are currently looking for a Head of Finance Business Partnering to join our Finance team on a full time, permanent contract, with a preferred start date in April 2027.

The Finance team's mission is to ensure the effective financial and risk management of Southbank Centre while acting as an acknowledged, key partner in achieving its overarching aims and objectives.

To achieve this vision, the team provides accurate, reliable, and timely information that empowers departments to administer their budgets with independence and accountability, while ensuring future strategies remain fit for purpose and risks are understood, managed, and mitigated. Concurrently, the team establishes efficient, effective, and appropriate procedures to protect company assets and maintain strict compliance with both internal policies and legislative requirements.

Serving as a collaborative partner on every aspect of the business requiring financial input and expertise, the team fosters individual and collective brilliance by actively supporting each member’s development, ensuring all departmental efforts align with Southbank Centre’s strategic priorities.

• Senior Business Partnering & Challenge:
  Providing proactive hands on and strategic support and constructive challenge to departmental budget holders, including Directors, across reporting, forecasting, and long-term planning to evaluate variances, risks, and opportunities.
• Management Reporting Delivery:
  Leading the preparation of, and actively deliver, the monthly management accounts pack, including KPI reporting, performance analysis, and risk and opportunity tracking.
• Planning & Budgeting Cycles:
  Supporting the Deputy Finance Director in managing and delivering organisation-wide budgeting and short-to-medium-term financial planning processes.
• Team Leadership & Development:
  Line managing, coaching, and mentoring a Business Partner team of three to deliver high-quality support to budget holders and drive process improvements.
• Financial Modelling & Decision Support:
  Delivering robust financial analysis, ad hoc modelling, and project evaluation to support the Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director in strategic and operational decision-making.

• Professional Accounting
  
  Qualification:
  
  Fully ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified, underpinned by significant hands on experience in progressive financial roles and in a complex organisation of a similar size to SC.
• People Management: A proven track record of managing, motivating, and coaching finance staff, including handling performance and team development.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:
  Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with demonstrated ability to translate complex financial concepts for non-financial budget holders and engage credibly at Director and Executive level.
• Strategic & Analytical Rigour:
  The ability to translate detailed operational data into clear, high-level analysis with appropriate strategic focus, while maintaining objectivity and financial control.
• Systems, Reporting & Modelling Tools:
  Advanced Excel skills and hands-on experience using mid-to-large finance systems and reporting platforms (experience with Microsoft Business Central and Jet Reports is an advantage).

• A min 5% pension contribution (going up to 9% depending on employee contribution), from day 1 of employment
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Hybrid working model (3 days office working, 2 days from home)
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced family leave benefits
• Up to 30% discounts at onsite retail, food and beverage vendors
• Staff ticket offers for SC events
• Free entry to Hayward Gallery
• Free/discounted entry with other reciprocal organisations
• Free staff yoga