Finance Business Partner

Partou UK; Denton; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in the UK seeks an experienced Finance Business Partner to guide the Senior Leadership Team in financial decision-making. Responsibilities include developing financial models, delivering variance analysis, and providing strategic insights. The ideal candidate has a professional finance qualification, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders. This position promises opportunities for growth in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in financial planning, analysis, and business partnering.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to link financial results to business drivers.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial insight and support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Develop and deliver financial models and forecasts.
• Translate complex financial information into clear insights for non-financial stakeholders.

Skills

Financial planning

Commercial awareness

Advanced Excel skills

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Education

Professional finance qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

ERP/BI tools

Job description

Come and join Partou for the next step in your career!

A Bit About Us

At Partou, childcare is more than just a job; it's a journey - one where every child leads us in a unique new direction. As part of the largest childcare group in the Netherlands, we have access to world-leading research, resources, and expertise to help you develop your skills and create a positive impact on the development of the next generation, as they lead us into a better future.

With the acquisition of Just Childcare in June 2021 and All About Children in September 2022, Partou UK has become one of the largest childcare providers in the UK. This growth phase brings exciting opportunities, supported by significant investments in quality care and early years learning.

With over 1,000 nursery branches worldwide, catering to more than 75,000 children, and a team of 11,000+ dedicated professionals, Partou is a global leader in childcare. Our ambitious expansion plans focus on continuous improvement and growth.

What you'll be doing

Partou are looking for an experienced Finance Business Partner to join the team. Supported by the Head of FP&A and the wider Finance team, the successful candidate will be a strategic advisor to Partou's Senior Leadership Team to make commercial decisions, generating additional income, minimising costs and getting best value for money.

Taking the monthly results from the Management Accounting team, you will use this information to provide regular and ad-hoc analysis, draw commercial insights and propose initiatives to drive the business and its finances forwards. This role bridges the gap between finance and operations, translating financial data into actionable business strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with business leaders to provide financial insight, challenge assumptions, and support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Develop and deliver financial models, forecasts, and scenario analyses to evaluate business performance and future opportunities.
• Provide meaningful variance analysis and commentary on financial results, highlighting risks, opportunities, and recommendations.
• Support the budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Translate complex financial information into clear, concise insights for non-financial stakeholders.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and help drive accountability across the business.
• Work with cross-functional teams to evaluate investment cases, cost-saving initiatives, and efficiency improvements.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and relevant regulations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of financial processes, tools, and reporting.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Professional finance qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in financial planning, analysis, and business partnering.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to link financial results to business drivers.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills; experience with ERP/BI tools is an advantage.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive, analytical, and results-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially minded and strategically focused.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable with ambiguity.
• Able to challenge constructively while maintaining positive relationships.

At Partou, we believe that everyone is unique and special, and our focus is on embracing and valuing this. Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) aren't just buzzwords to us—they're at the core of what we do, and we celebrate the variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that each child—and each team member—brings.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.