Finance Business Partner

DWF; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DWF in Manchester is seeking a Finance Business Partner to join a high-performing finance team on a hybrid basis with 2 office days per week. You will partner with senior stakeholders to drive performance, support budgeting and long-term planning, and deliver actionable financial insight across the Commercial Services division.

The role emphasizes commercial acumen, FP&A experience, and strong communication skills to influence decisions and improve financial outcomes.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with post-qualification experience
• Experience in professional services or similar commercial environment
• Ability to translate financial data into actionable insights
• Strong influencing and presentation skills
• Advanced analytical skills including modelling and scenario analysis

Responsibilities

• Support budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning processes
• Provide insight into revenue, margin, pricing, utilisation and working capital
• Analyse profitability across clients and practice areas
• Monitor KPIs to improve forecasting accuracy and working capital
• Drive reporting governance and transformational initiatives in the division

Skills

Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Stakeholder management

Financial analysis

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification

Tools

Advanced Excel

Job description

Why join us?

This is an excellent time to join a high-performing Finance team in a true business partnering role, where you will work closely with senior stakeholders to influence strategic decision-making, drive financial performance, and support sustainable growth within a key division of the business.

The role will be based in our Manchester office on a hybrid basis with 2 office days per week.

Responsibilities

Working closely with the Head of Finance, you will build a deep understanding of the Commercial Services division’s commercial and operational drivers. You will support budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning processes, providing insight into revenue, margin, pricing, utilisation and working capital. Through detailed analysis, you will identify risks and opportunities, contribute to strategic decisions and deliver clear, actionable insight that drives improved financial outcomes.

You will develop relationships across the business, influencing decision-making through high-quality financial information and commercial challenge. The role will involve supporting pricing and investment decisions, analysing profitability across clients and practice areas, and monitoring key KPIs to improve performance and forecasting accuracy. You will also play a key role in enhancing working capital outcomes, driving improvements in reporting, governance and processes, and contributing to transformation initiatives across the division.

What will help you succeed in this role?

Essential:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with strong post-qualified experience
• Experience within professional services or a similar commercial environment
• Considerable commercial acumen with the ability to translate financial data into clear actions
• Demonstrable experience influencing senior stakeholders and driving performance
• Advanced analytical skills including financial modelling and scenario analysis
• Excellent communication and presentation skills

Desirable:

• Proven background in Finance Business Partnering, Commercial Finance or FP&A
• Understanding of Commercial Services performance drivers and key metrics
• Exposure to pricing, investment appraisal and business case development
• Experience improving working capital performance and cash conversion
• Background in transformation, process improvement or change initiatives
• Considerable systems and reporting capability, including advanced Excel

What we offer?

We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF.

We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all the requirements, you may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.

About us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.

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