Finance Business Partner

Bristol Water; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility company in the UK is seeking a Finance Business Partner to join their dynamic team. This role is pivotal in supporting decision-making through financial analysis and reporting. The successful candidate will deliver timely management information, engage with stakeholders across the business, and enhance financial performance in a company committed to sustainability and community support, with attractive benefits and a flexible working environment.

Benefits

Employee wellbeing services

Life Assurance

Generous holiday allowance

Pension scheme with company contributions

Discretionary bonus scheme

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and financial modelling skills required.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent communication skills, especially explaining finance to non-financial audiences.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver accurate management information for assigned functions.
• Provide ad hoc financial analyses to support key initiatives.
• Collaborate with Financial Control Team to maintain accounting records.

Skills

Analytical

Financial modelling

Communication

Influencing stakeholders

Commercial impact

Education

Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

Salary £Competitive depending on skills and experience

The Vacancy

At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.

We're proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.

And we have huge ambitions.

Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we've also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.

So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.

As a Finance Business Partner, you'll play a critical role in enabling effective decision-making across the organisation by working closely with operational leaders and support functions. You'll ensure robust financial control, support budgeting and forecasting, and help stakeholders understand financial performance to improve outcomes.

You will report to a Senior Finance Business Partner or directly to the Finance Director, depending on the structure of your business unit.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Prepare and deliver accurate, timely, and reliable management information for your assigned directorate or function.
• Provide ad hoc financial analysis to support key initiatives, projects, or business decisions.
• Communicate complex financial data to non-finance stakeholders in a clear and actionable way to support performance improvement.
• Ensure all business processes and financial controls are followed in accordance with company policies.
• Draft monthly commentary for inclusion in senior leadership reports.
• Collaborate with the Financial Control Team to maintain accurate accounting records and assist with audits.

What We're Looking For:

• Proven ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and work cross-functionally
• Strong analytical and financial modelling skills.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly in explaining finance to non-financial audiences.
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and commitment to delivering value.
• Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Previous experience in a business partnering or similar analytical finance role.
• Passion for supporting operational teams and driving commercial impact.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values which are essential to our success are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.

The Company

Since 1846, we've been making people healthier and the economy stronger. We've served generations of families and will serve generations to come.

We're here to have a positive impact on people and the planet for generations. We don't just give people water - we keep them healthy and help them grow. We work around the clock, testing our water hundreds of times every day.

We take this same view with our 600 employees, we don't just give them jobs in water, we keep them healthy and help them grow.

The best of both worlds

We're one of the smallest water companies in the UK. Being small means we're nimble and can achieve things quickly for our customers and our people.

But while we're small, we're also part of a larger family. In June 2021 we became part of the Pennon group, which also owns South West Water and Bournemouth Water.

This means that as part of our team, you'll get the best of both worlds - the dynamism and fast pace of a smaller company, along with the security and breadth of opportunity that comes with being part of a large organisation.

The Benefits

Your wellbeing

Employee wellbeing is important to us, which is why all employees have access to Champion Health, an award winning wellbeing app, 24/7 access to an anonymous EAP helpline, free flu jabs and health assessments plus regular talks, seminars & webinars on topics ranging from financial wellbeing, to menopause and mental health.

Travel

As well as a discounted car purchase scheme, Employees can apply for an interest free loan to purchase an annual season ticket or for those who would like a more active option, we operate a cycle to work scheme too!

Family-friendly policies

We have a number of family friendly policies, plus for peace of mind should the worse happen, all roles come with Life Assurance and entry into the Group Income protection scheme.

Generous holiday allowance

Our annual leave provision starts with at least 23 days for new employees plus bank holidays, rising to as much as 30 days. You can also buy and sell up to 5 days per year too.

Pensions &
savings

All employees are eligible for the company stakeholder pension scheme, with the company contributing up to 8%. On top of this, as we are part of the Pennon group, every employee has the opportunity to invest in the company via 2 different share schemes.

Flexi-benefit
schemes

Our staff have the ability to purchase the following benefits - Dental Insurance, Health plans, Health Screenings, Childcare vouchers, Will writing services for both themselves and their partner. You can also add in the ability to buy or sell up to 3 days of holiday.

Discretionary bonus scheme

Everybody in the business is eligible for an annual bonus, this is linked to both the company and on your own personal performance and achievements.

Various
discounts

We know life is expensive right now, which is why every employee has access to a discount platform where you can get discount vouchers and cards of up to 10% off most high street retailers - and some local ones too!

Other
benefits

Dependent on your role, some other benefits include: Car allowance or company car / van, healthcare, mobile phone, laptop etc. In addition, we have several benefits you can purchase at discounted rates / via salary sacrifice such as Dental care, health cash plans, will writing etc.

• Bristol / Surrey, Weybridge / Hampshire, Andover
• Hybrid working, based at Abbey Wood, Filton, Bristol
• Bristol / Surrey, Weybridge / Hampshire, Andover
• Hybrid working, based at Abbey Wood, Filton, Bristol