Finance Business Partner

Robert Walters UK; Runcorn; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading North West manufacturing business is seeking a Finance Business Partner to support commercial projects and provide financial analysis in a hybrid working model. You will lead budgeting processes, and improve profitability through insightful analysis and cross-functional collaboration. The role requires ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualifications, and experience in commercial finance. Proficient Excel skills and familiarity with financial systems like SAP are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven post-qualification experience in commercial finance/business partnering.
• Ability to propose, initiate, and implement change effectively.
• Experience building sound business cases to support strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Deliver insightful commercial analysis for projects and investment appraisals.
• Challenge management teams on business performance through root cause analysis.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting processes in partnership with key stakeholders.

Skills

Commercial finance expertise

Strong analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Education

ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified

Tools

SAP

Job description

My client, a leading North West manufacturing business, are looking to hire a commercially savvy Finance Business Partner to join their newly refurbished offices in Runcorn – hybrid working, normally 2 days in the office per week.

This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to work closely with both internal and external stakeholders, providing essential financial, analytical, and business support that drives sound decision‑making and profitable growth.

You will be at the heart of commercial projects, process changes, and investment appraisals, ensuring your expertise shapes the future direction of the business. The company values flexibility and encourages a collaborative environment where your interpersonal skills and commitment to excellence will be recognised and rewarded.

With occasional travel and exposure to a wide network of colleagues, this position promises variety, challenge, and the chance to make a real impact on business performance.

What you'll do:

• Deliver insightful commercial analysis and provide robust support for projects, process changes, and investment appraisals including post‑investment reviews, ensuring recommendations are data‑driven and actionable.
• Analyse investment opportunities thoroughly by supplying accurate accounting data throughout project lifecycles, acquisitions, and transitions into business as usual operations.
• Challenge management teams constructively on current business performance by identifying root causes of issues and supporting corrective actions that enhance profitability.
• Develop and utilise advanced management information systems to evaluate current performance metrics, driving improved profitability and supporting the evolution of business strategy.
• Support the rollout and adoption of self‑serve tools across agreed business areas, empowering stakeholders with accessible financial information for better decision‑making.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting processes for assigned areas in partnership with key stakeholders, ensuring accuracy and alignment with organisational objectives.
• Monitor market developments proactively to assess potential impacts on operational activities, providing timely updates that inform strategic planning.
• Identify emerging trends in revenue, margin, and cost structures for designated areas of the business, quantifying their impact on profit‑and‑loss statements and cash flow projections.
• Produce ad hoc management information reports tailored to specific business needs, facilitating informed decision‑making at all levels of the organisation.
• Undertake additional tasks as required to contribute flexibly to team goals and broader organisational priorities.

What you bring:

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified
• Proven post‑qualification experience in commercial finance/business partnering
• Demonstrated success in proposing, justifying, initiating, and implementing change at multiple organisational levels showcases your adaptability within complex environments.
• Experience building sound business cases that support strategic objectives ensures your recommendations are grounded in solid financial rationale.
• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines in high‑pressure settings while maintaining exceptional attention to detail highlights your dependability.
• Track record of performing root cause analysis alongside developing process improvements and robust controls reflects your commitment to continuous improvement.
• Strong interpersonal skills combined with relationship‑building abilities allow you to collaborate constructively with colleagues from various functions.
• Excellent communication skills, with an inquisitive and self‑starting mindset.
• Negotiation and influencing skills help you facilitate consensus among stakeholders during critical discussions about budgets or forecasts.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) along with experience using financial systems such as SAP supports efficient data analysis.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.