Finance Business Partner

Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A real estate consultancy business is seeking an analytically-minded Finance Business Partner to provide financial insight and drive strategic performance. You will work closely with senior stakeholders and contribute to financial analysis, reporting, and strategic planning. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with 1-2 years of experience and advanced Excel skills, capable of influencing decision-making processes. A hybrid working model is offered.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years post-qualification experience in finance.
• Experience in finance business partnering within professional services or real estate.
• Ability to manage and influence senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary finance contact for partner-level stakeholders.
• Deliver financial performance analysis including P&L and variance analysis.
• Support strategic planning and contribute to growth strategies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Financial modelling

Attention to detail

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Tools

Excel

NetSuite or similar

Job description

We are seeking an analytically-minded and commercially-savvy Finance Business Partner to join a dynamic real estate consultancy business, the role will report to Head of Finance. This is a pivotal role that partners closely with senior stakeholders, including partner-level leaders, to provide deep financial insight, enhance decision-making, and drive strategic performance across the business.

The successful candidate will be an adept communicator and influencer, capable of challenging and supporting stakeholders in equal measure, while translating complex financial information into actionable insight.

Key Responsibilities

Business Partnering

• Act as the primary finance contact for a portfolio of partner-level stakeholders across the consultancy.
• Build trusted relationships to influence strategic and operational decisions.
• Understand and challenge business drivers, performance trends, and investment plans.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Deliver accurate and timely financial performance analysis including P&L, variance analysis, and commentary.
• Provide forecasting, budgeting, and scenario modelling support to drive financial accountability and planning.
• Develop and maintain reporting dashboards and KPIs to enhance visibility and insight.
• Supporting the audit process and helping ensure financial control and compliance.

Strategic Contribution

• Support the Head of Finance with financial modelling and business case preparation for new opportunities.
• Provide commercial insight to support growth strategies and margin optimisation.
• Contribute to strategic planning, annual budgeting, and long-term forecasting processes.

Process Improvement & Controls

• Identify opportunities to streamline and improve financial processes and controls.
• Collaborate with operational teams to improve cost efficiency and performance metrics.
• Support internal audit and compliance initiatives where needed.

Requirements

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with 1-2 years post-qualification experience.
• Proven experience in a finance business partnering role, ideally within a professional services or real estate context.
• Excellent analytical and modelling skills, with a strong attention to detail and business acumen.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and influence senior stakeholders.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with financial systems (e.g. NetSuite, or similar).
• Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of making complex financial information clear and compelling.
• A proactive, self-starter mindset with a continuous improvement ethos.

Working Pattern

• Hybrid working model: 3 days in-office
• Flexible working arrangements considered

If you are interested and you have the relevant experience please apply ASAP!