Finance Business Partner

Unite Group; Bristol; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK company is seeking an experienced Finance Business Partner in Bristol to optimize financial performance for central support functions. The role involves complex financial analysis, working closely with budget holders, and providing insights for decision-making. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant, equipped with strong analytical skills and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

Benefits

Discretionary annual bonus

Generous pension scheme

25 days' paid holiday

Healthcare Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Gym benefits

Enhanced Family Leave

ShareSave scheme

Life Assurance

Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant or significant finance experience in a commercial environment.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-change environment.
• Ability to develop effective relationships with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Own central cost centre budgets, ensuring accurate reporting and analysis.
• Support and challenge budget holders on performance.
• Drive improvements to increase efficiencies.

Skills

Communication

Analytical skills

Relationship building

Cost-consciousness

Empathy

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

Oracle EPM

Job description

The Role

Our fantastic Finance team is looking for an experienced Finance Business Partner (FBP) to support the financial performance of our central support functions. The role involves providing quality analysis and challenge to optimize our returns within an engaging and enthusiastic team based in Bristol.

The purpose of this role is to deliver accurate and timely financial analysis and forecasting, work closely with budget holders to optimize financial performance, and support the Central FP&A Manager with group financial planning.

What You'll Be Doing

• Own central cost centre budgets, ensuring accurate and timely reporting, forecasting, and analysis.
• Build and maintain relationships with budget holders, acting as their key contact for all matters related to central cost centres and commercial units.
• Support and challenge budget holders on performance, promoting cost-consciousness and managing risks to budgets.
• Assist the FP&A manager with consolidated head office forecasts, including recharging/converting to Unite share.
• Drive improvements by exploring opportunities to increase efficiencies and provide insights for leadership decision-making.
• Collaborate with the management accounting team to flag variances in actuals.
• Maintain a good understanding of other business areas and industry trends.

What We Are Looking for in You

• Qualified Accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or significant finance experience in a commercial environment.
• Experience with Oracle EPM preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to inspire trust, influence, and convey technical financial information clearly and credibly.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-change environment, managing multiple demands with high accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to develop effective relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Capability to challenge and hold teams accountable to drive business performance.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Empathy and responsiveness to customer needs.
• Positive attitude, adaptability, and willingness to undertake challenging tasks.

What You'll Get in Return

• A discretionary annual bonus.
• 25 days' paid holiday, an annual holiday buying scheme, and additional days for long service.
• A generous pension scheme with employer contributions between 5% and 11%.
• Support for health and wellbeing, including a Healthcare Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing platform, and Gym benefits.
• Enhanced Family Leave: 18 weeks full pay for birthing parents and 4 weeks for non-birthing parents.
• Other benefits including ShareSave scheme, Life Assurance, discounts portal, and more.

About Unite Students

Founded in 1991, Unite Students is a FTSE 100 company and the UK’s leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation, serving 74,000 students across 25 university towns and cities. We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a positive workplace culture.

We embrace individuality and focus on building inclusive teams, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. We pride ourselves on being rated Gold Investors in People and strive to provide excellent learning, development, and professional growth opportunities.

Join us as we build better experiences for students and create a home for success for our employees and students alike.