Finance Business Partner

Wade Macdonald; Kidlington; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in the public sector is seeking an Operational Finance Business Partner to align financial planning with strategic goals. The role involves budget setting, financial forecasting, and supporting decision-making across business units. Candidates should be CCAB-qualified accountants with experience in complex financial environments. Offering hybrid working and strong professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous holiday

Pension contributions

Emphasis on work-life balance

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in business partnering within a complex financial environment.
• Confident in interpreting financial data and providing strategic advice.
• Commercially astute and analytically minded.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, offering financial insight.
• Lead budget development processes and align financial plans.
• Support monthly and year-end reporting cycles with meaningful commentary.
• Identify risks and cost-saving opportunities.
• Provide expert advice on finance processes and compliance.

Skills

CCAB qualification or equivalent

Business partnering experience

Advanced Excel skills

Ability to influence at senior levels

Strong communication skills

Job description

Operational Finance Business Partner

Location: Hybrid – Oxford (1-2 days in office)
Salary: £55,000 – £62,700 per annum

About the Client

This opportunity is with a large organisation within the Local / Central Government sector. With a substantial operational footprint, they are focused on delivering high-impact services across the region. They are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every background and perspective enriches their collective success.

About the Job

This is a key business partnering role, sitting within the FP&A team and working closely with senior stakeholders to align financial planning with strategic goals. You’ll play a pivotal role in budget setting, financial forecasting, cost analysis, and supporting decision-making across business units. With responsibility for driving value for money and financial best practice, the role is integral to enhancing financial performance and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, offering financial insight and challenge
• Leading budget development processes and aligning financial plans with organisational goals
• Supporting monthly and year-end reporting cycles with meaningful commentary
• Identifying risks and cost-saving opportunities, and supporting delivery of improvement initiatives
• Providing expert advice on finance processes, accounting practices and compliance
• Producing detailed financial forecasts, and partnering with the business on variance analysis
• Influencing investment decisions through data-driven insight and business case evaluation
• Promoting financial literacy and embedding best practice within operational teams

About the Successful Applicant

You will be a CCAB-qualified accountant (or equivalent), with substantial experience in business partnering within a complex financial environment. Confident in interpreting financial data and providing strategic advice, you’ll be commercially astute, analytically minded, and an excellent communicator. You’ll also bring advanced Excel skills, resilience under pressure, and the ability to influence at senior levels.

What You Will Receive in Return

In return, you’ll join a collaborative, forward-thinking environment with a strong commitment to professional development. You’ll play a key role in shaping financial strategy and gain exposure to senior decision-makers. The organisation also offers hybrid working, generous holiday and pension contributions, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.