Finance Business Partner - 12 Month FTC

SHOOSMITHS; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Shoosmiths is seeking a Finance Business Partner to support one of our Legal Divisions with financial insights, budgeting, and performance analysis. You will partner with divisional leadership to drive forecasting, reporting, and strategic decision-making.

Ideal candidates have a proven track record in financial analysis, advanced Excel skills, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable business outcomes within a professional services environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance required.
• Proven experience as a Finance Business Partner.
• Strong financial analysis skills with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience of financial software and tools, advanced Excel and financial modelling.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to influence business decisions.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of the legal industry dynamics is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular financial analysis to assess the division's performance against budgets.
• Prepare insightful financial reports and perform scenario planning.
• Assist in budgeting and forecasting, and provide variance explanations.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Divisional Head and senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and participate in divisional meetings.
• Support ad hoc analysis and projects requested by senior management.

Skills

Strong financial analysis

Excellent communication

Strategic mindset

Highly organized

Commercial awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance

Tools

Excel

Financial software

Job description

Please note

As a Finance Business Partner you will play a pivotal role in supporting one of our Legal Divisions by providing financial insights

Main responsibilities:

Financial Analysis and Reporting:

• Conduct regular financial analysis to assess the division's performance against budgets
• Prepare insightful financial reports
• Financial modelling and scenario planning to provide deeper insights into potential business outcomes and challenge business decisions.
• Identify trends

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Assist in the development and consolidation of divisional budgets and forecasts.
• Work closely with the Divisional Leadership to understand business drivers and assumptions.
• Collaborating with other finance team members to ensure consistency and accuracy in financial planning.
• Provide variance analysis and explanations to support budget holders in managing their financial performance.

Business Partnering:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Divisional Head and other senior stakeholders
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments such as Finance
• Actively participate in divisional meetings
• Provide support for special projects such as mergers

Performance Management:

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial metrics to assess divisional performance.
• Identify opportunities for performance improvement and cost optimisation initiatives.
• Support the Divisional Head in setting targets and tracking progress towards strategic goals.

Ad Hoc Analysis and Projects

• Provide support to the Head of FP&A and undertake ad hoc financial analysis and projects as required by senior management.

Skills and qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance
• Proven experience as a Finance Business Partner
• Strong financial analysis skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience of financial software and tools
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in financial modelling.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to think critically and contribute to business strategy.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of the legal industry dynamics is desirable.

The firm

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service

We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries

To discover more about our benefits

Shoosmiths is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. Disability Confident is a government scheme designed to encourage employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term conditions. The Disability Confident scheme replaced the Two Ticks Positive about Disabled People scheme. We had been accredited as a two tick employer for many years - Disability Confident broadens and develops that original commitment

As part of our accreditation

Further information on the Disability Confident scheme is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/disability-confident-campaign

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to and usable by everyone. If you have a disability

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.

If you'd like to learn more about this opportunity or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Warren Cooper at [e-mail]