Finance Business Partner - Armed Forces Recruitment Service

Medirest Signature; Bristol; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A global service provider is seeking a Finance Business Partner in Bristol to provide strategic financial support for a landmark Armed Forces Recruitment Services contract. The role involves building financial models, preparing reports, and acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders. Candidates should have a professional accounting qualification and experience in financial planning and analysis. This position offers competitive benefits and opportunities for personal growth.

Benefits

Company car / £4200 cash alternative

Private healthcare

Bonus scheme of 10% on target and 20% exceeding targets

Flexible working considered

Pension - 6%

Employee Assistance Programme

Chance to contribute to innovation in public services

Company passionate about diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Proven experience in financial planning & analysis, ideally in a business partnering role.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to operate under pressure.
• Experience supporting complex, large-scale contracts or programmes preferred.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders across the AFRS programme.
• Build and manage detailed financial models to support contract planning.
• Prepare financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Financial planning & analysis

Financial modelling

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Education

Professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA)

Job description

At Serco, we make a difference every day by delivering essential public services on behalf of government. Now, we are seeking a high-performing Finance Business Partner (FBP) to join us on the landmark Armed Forces Recruitment Services (AFRS) contract - a billion-pound, high-profile defence win with national importance.

Following a successful bid, the contract is now in a two-year mobilisation phase (until March 2027), ahead of full delivery from April 2027. With our customer based at MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol, this role offers exceptional visibility, scale, and challenge - ideal for a motivated FBP ready to help shape the financial and strategic roadmap of this flagship contract.

As Finance Business Partner, you'll provide strategic financial support to the AFRS mobilisation team. This includes working closely with the Finance Director, offshore shared service teams, and operational leads to deliver accurate reporting, robust forecasting, and commercial insight in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment. You'll play a key role in ensuring the contract's transition from mobilisation to delivery is financially sound, audit-ready, and aligned with Serco's wider business objectives.

As part of this you'll:

Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders across the AFRS programme

Build and manage detailed financial models to support contract planning and scenario analysis

Collaborate with the offshore shared service centre to ensure accuracy and consistency in financial reporting

Monitor and analyse performance against budget, highlighting risks and recommending mitigations

Support mobilisation of core services (including IT delivery and large-scale recruitment operations) through robust financial oversight

Prepare financial reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, including MOD clients and consortium partners

Ensure compliance with internal controls and open-book contract obligations

Provide finance training and support to non-finance managers involved in contract delivery

What you'll need to do the role:

Professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA)

Proven experience in financial planning & analysis, ideally in a business partnering role

Strong modelling and data interpretation skills - Excel proficiency is essential

Commercially astute, with the ability to translate numbers into strategic insight

Excellent communication skills and the confidence to challenge, influence, and advise senior stakeholders

Strong attention to detail and an ability to operate under pressure with competing priorities

Experience supporting complex, large-scale contracts or mobilisation programmes preferred

Knowledge of open book accounting and MOD/government contracting advantageous

Why Serco:

Meaningful and vital work: In this position, your work is vital to the business, in terms of decisions and growth. You will gain aworld of opportunity working for a globally operating business delivering essential services across 5 vital sectors, personal growth, achievement and development won't be hard to find. You'll also work with great people. You'll find yourself working in a highly motivated, supportive environment where no two days are the same, with experienced colleagues who strive for excellence.

What we offer:

• Company car / £4200 cash alternative
• Private healthcare
• Bonus scheme of 10% on target and 20% exceeding targets
• Flexible working considered
• Pension - 6%
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Chance to contribute to innovation in the public services
• A company passionate about diversity and inclusion