Finance Business Partner

SP Electricity North West; Preston; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading electricity network operator in the UK is seeking a Finance Business Partner for an 18-month Fixed Term Contract in Preston. The ideal candidate will be a part qualified accountant with a strong interest in the electricity industry. This role offers opportunities for career development and exposure to various finance functions, including management accounting and business partnering. Benefits include competitive salary, annual bonus, and professional development support.

Benefits

Annual bonus scheme

25 days annual leave

Employee rewards portal

Contributory pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and numerical skills with the ability to logically process and interpret data.
• Ability to build relationships at all levels of the organisation.
• Proficient in IT and use of computer applications.

Responsibilities

• Support the production of Management accounts for reporting.
• Prepare Financial Statements and analyze costs/revenues.
• Provide financial analysis and decision support to stakeholders.
• Support internal assurance activities and risk management.

Skills

Analytical skills

Numerical skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

IT proficiency

Education

Degree in a relevant discipline (2:1 or above)

AAT qualification

Tools

MS Office

Job description

We’re champions of the North West and we’re proud that it’s our electricity network that connects communities and helps keep the electricity flowing every minute of every day, from when you wake up to when you fall asleep and all the hours in between.

A key part of the UK’s journey to net zero carbon is the revolution of our electricity industry to enable clean, green economic growth. As the North West’s electricity network operator, it’s our responsibility to lead the way, help the region decarbonise and pave the way for the growth of renewable energy and a sustainable energy future for all.

We’re proud that in December 2024 we were named Utility of the Year by Utility Week magazine who said we punched above our weight and used innovation to solve some of the industry’s most difficult challenges. Come and be part of our team and make a difference.

Together we have the energy to transform our communities. We are switched on. We are adaptable. We take pride.

The Finance team has an opportunity for a Finance Business Partner in Preston/Salford on an 18 month Fixed Term Contract.

We currently have an 18 month Fixed Term Contract opportunity within our finance team for part qualified finance business partner whilst providing study support for a professional finance qualification (CIMA or ACCA). As well as working with and learning from a great team, you'll also benefit from a range of training and development opportunities.

The finance function leads and advises on the overall strategic and operational management of Electricity North West, providing a range of services to the business covering; performance analysis, critical insight and decision support. We aim to deliver exceptional service to our customers and stakeholders at an efficient cost.

This role will appeal to a part qualified accountant who wish to develop a career in finance and who have an interest in the fast changing electricity industry. Depending on your background and business needs, we are looking for a motivated, rounded part qualified accountant working toward qualification in either CIMA or ACCA.

Principal Responsibilities Of The Role

Management Accounting & Transactional Processing

Supporting the production of the Management accounts for internal and shareholder reporting. In this area you will obtain an understanding of double entry posting and reconciliation of balances. This will include supporting the processing of supplier and customer billing, credit control and reconciliation activities.

Financial Planning & Analysis

The annual business plan provides strategic direction for the company and Financial projections. It involves working with stakeholders throughout the business and culminates in shareholder/board review. The role will involve preparation of Financial Statements, analysis of costs/revenues & cashflow, and development of the Corporate Performance Management system & reports used.

Business Partnering

Working closely with stakeholders from across the business, you will provide financial analysis and decision support to ensure a strong financial control environment and support improvements in business performance.

Risk, Control and Assurance

This function ensures robust risk leadership and management across the organisation, whilst providing ongoing assurance to the Audit Committee and other key stakeholders on the effectiveness of the internal controls and risk management environment. You will support internal assurance activities and risk management activities.

Who We Are Looking For

• You should hold a degree level qualification of 2:1 or above in a relevant discipline or preferably AAT
• Have strong analytical and numerical skills with the ability to logically process and interpret data;
• Are committed to driving forward your own career development;
• Have the ability to build relationships at all levels of the organisation and influence accordingly;
• Are results focused with the ability to set priorities and deliver in a timely manner;
• Are a strong team player, but can demonstrate the ability to think and act independently;
• Are proficient in IT and the use of computer applications, in particular MS Office;
• Have excellent written and verbal and communication skills, with a strong customer focus;
  
  

What We’re Offering

As a vital team member and in return for your expertise, inclusive approach and commitment, we'll provide a favourable salary and the chance to join a passionate and welcoming team. We are committed to ensuring our people are supported and are proud of our reward and benefits offer, which includes:

An annual bonus scheme

25 days annual leave increasing with length of service

An employee rewards portal offering discounts on several well-known brands

A market-leading contributory pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Opportunity for professional development through our L&D function.

We’re champions of the North West and we’re proud that it’s our electricity network that connects communities and helps keep the electricity flowing every minute of every day, from when you wake up to when you fall asleep and all the hours in between.

A key part of the UK’s journey to net zero carbon is the revolution of our electricity industry and as the regions network operator, it’s our responsibility to lead the way, help the North West to decarbonise and pave the way for the growth of renewable energy.

Together we have the energy to transform our communities. We are switched on. We are adaptable. We take pride.

Our people important to us and we’re passionate about creating a great place to work where we can all be ourselves, reach our full potential and build long lasting careers. We’re striving to increase diversity of thought and talent in our people and to recruit highly skilled workforce that’s representative of the communities we serve. For us, embracing our differences is what makes us stronger.

Should you require any additional support with your application, or any adjustments please contact our Recruitment team at [e-mail] or on 0845 366 0092 (option 2)

Any offer made will remain conditional until pre-employment checks are complete to a level deemed satisfactory by Electricity North West. Due to the of this role, the following pre-employment checks will be required; references from previous employers, a Medical Appointment, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)BS7858 checks) and a Drug & Alcohol test.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

We don't accept speculative CVs from agencies. Any received we will assert ownership of the candidate and no fee will be payable