Finance Business Partner

Wade Macdonald; Reading; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Wade Macdonald is seeking a Junior Finance Business Partner for a hybrid role in Reading. The assignment supports financial planning, reporting and cost management across designated business areas, working closely with budget holders and stakeholders to provide accurate financial information and support decision-making.

Key duties include budget/forecast management, variance analysis, cost reporting, and building relationships with budget holders.

Qualifications

• Strong numerical and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the preparation and ongoing management of budgets and forecasts, including financial changes and adjustments.
• Reviewing actual expenditure and analysing financial performance against agreed plans and measures.
• Producing variance analysis and contributing commentary to explain financial movements, risks and recovery actions.
• Assisting with regular cost reporting, trend analysis and the identification of emerging financial issues.
• Building productive relationships with budget holders and other internal stakeholders.
• Preparing financial information and reports for budget and performance review meetings.
• Providing clear and accurate financial data to support operational and business requirements.
• Contributing cost information to financial assessments and business cases.
• Supporting the development and maintenance of cost breakdown structures and associated change activity.
• Assisting with cost studies, benchmarking and analysis using historical financial data.
• Ensuring financial information is processed consistently and in accordance with established procedures and controls.
• Identifying opportunities to improve the quality and efficiency of the finance service.

Job description

Finance Business Partner

Location: Reading - Hybrid, 2 days per week onsite

Contract: 9 months

IR35: In Scope

About the Job

This is an excellent opportunity for a Junior Finance Business Partner to support financial planning, reporting and cost management across designated business areas. Working closely with budget holders and wider stakeholders, you will help provide accurate financial information, monitor performance and contribute to effective financial decision-making.

Duties will include:

• Supporting the preparation and ongoing management of budgets and forecasts, including financial changes and adjustments.
• Reviewing actual expenditure and analysing financial performance against agreed plans and measures.
• Producing variance analysis and contributing commentary to explain financial movements, risks and recovery actions.
• Assisting with regular cost reporting, trend analysis and the identification of emerging financial issues.
• Building productive relationships with budget holders and other internal stakeholders.
• Preparing financial information and reports for budget and performance review meetings.
• Providing clear and accurate financial data to support operational and business requirements.
• Contributing cost information to financial assessments and business cases.
• Supporting the development and maintenance of cost breakdown structures and associated change activity.
• Assisting with cost studies, benchmarking and analysis using historical financial data.
• Ensuring financial information is processed consistently and in accordance with established procedures and controls.
• Identifying opportunities to improve the quality and efficiency of the finance service.

About the Successful Applicant

You will have strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret financial information, monitor costs and communicate findings clearly. An organised and collaborative approach is essential, alongside confidence working with stakeholders, attention to detail and a willingness to challenge existing processes and contribute to continuous improvement.

What You Will Receive in Return

You will join a supportive and collaborative environment where knowledge-sharing and professional development are encouraged. This nine-month assignment offers exposure to a complex, high-profile organisation and the opportunity to develop your finance business partnering experience while working with a broad range of stakeholders. The role also offers hybrid working, with two days per week based onsite in Reading.