Senior Finance Business Partner

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Ready to make a splash?
Join our team today.

Location: Exeter
Salary: £60,000- £70,000 + company car or car allowance + bonus + excellent benefits package
Contract: Permanent, full time

We're looking for an exceptional Senior Finance Business Partner to become the trusted financial advisor to our Wastewater business. This is a highly visible role where you'll work directly with directors and senior operational leaders, driving financial performance, influencing strategic decisions and ensuring the successful delivery of ambitious business objectives.

As the subject matter expert for Wastewater financial performance and planning, you'll own the budgeting and forecasting process, provide meaningful financial insight and help operational teams translate complex financial information into clear, actionable decisions. You'll challenge, support and influence stakeholders at all levels, ensuring performance targets are met while maintaining strong financial governance and control.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded, qualified accountant who enjoys partnering with the business, leading through influence and making a tangible impact on organisational performance.

As Senior Finance Business Partner
, you will:

• Partner with directors and senior operational leaders to drive financial performance and deliver key business targets.

• Influence and challenge stakeholders to improve cost performance, efficiency and value creation.

• Develop, own and continually improve budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning processes.

• Create and maintain robust driver-based financial models that support informed decision making.

• Produce high-quality management information, financial analysis and performance reporting.

• Deliver clear, insightful monthly commentary for Executive and Board audiences.

• Identify financial risks and opportunities, ensuring proactive actions are taken across the planning horizon.

• Ensure appropriate financial controls, governance and accounting treatments are in place.

• Collaborate closely with FP&A teams to enhance systems, reporting capability, data quality and business insight.

• Support external and internal audit requirements through timely and accurate information provision.

• Build strong relationships across finance and operations, becoming the go-to financial expert within your business area.

• Significant experience managing large-scale budgets and multiple cost centres.

• Proven success partnering with operational and senior leadership teams.

• Experience managing complex forecasting, budgeting and financial planning processes.

• Demonstrable track record of identifying and delivering cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies.

• Experience influencing decision-making through financial insight and commercial analysis.

• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to challenge constructively and build credibility quickly.

• Outstanding…