Senior Finance Business Partner (Construction)

People Group Limited; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial consultancy based in London seeks a Senior Finance Business Partner for a 12-month maternity cover. The role includes providing expert financial management and advisory support to a designated Business Unit. The ideal candidate will need a degree, professional accounting qualification, and 5+ years of experience in finance. Excellent communication skills and the ability to provide project financial advice are essential. This position promotes a diverse and inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Finance Business Partner with commercial interaction.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Project Managers to drive project performance.
• Provide objective financial advice and challenge forecasts.
• Oversee accounting processes for projects.

Skills

Analytical skills

Strong communication

Budgeting and forecasting

Project financial advice

Education

Degree or equivalent qualification

Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

5+ years of financial/accounting experience

Tools

Oracle Cloud

Job description

Overview

Contract Length: 12 Months
Type: Maternity Cover - Fixed Term

Job Summary: The Senior Finance Business Partner (FBP) will provide expert financial management, control, and advisory support for a designated Business Unit and its projects/contracts. Working alongside another FBP in the same unit, this role partners closely with commercial leads to influence financial plans and forecasts, support budget preparation, and provide insight for key financial decisions. The Senior FBP will act as a trusted adviser and the primary finance contact within their Business Unit.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Project Managers (commercial leads) to drive project performance and ensure high-quality financial decision-making.
• Provide objective financial advice to influence project outcomes and future planning.
• Challenge spend plans and forecasts proactively, identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Investigate high-risk or material financial issues on projects and propose actionable solutions.
• Support Project Managers in developing financial accountability through coaching and training.
• Work closely with the Commercial Team to provide forward-looking insights and add demonstrable business value.
• Act as the financial lead for the Business Unit, presenting results and forecasts internally and externally, and supporting client queries, bids, and ad hoc requests.
• Review project financial performance, forecasts, and plans to ensure accuracy and alignment with project priorities.
• Promote cost control, sound financial discipline, and risk management practices across projects.
• Ensure compliance with internal control frameworks, accounting standards, and risk management processes.
• Oversee accounting processes for projects, including billing, revenue management, lease treatment, and capitalisation.
• Maintain oversight of financial accounting, including balance sheet management and cash flow forecasting.
• Ensure transactions comply with group policies and statutory requirements.
• Maintain professional knowledge through CPD in accounting, tax, and finance.
• Build strong relationships with Project Managers and other stakeholders to drive successful business partnering.
• Collaborate with other Finance Business Partners to share best practices and insights.
• Work with wider finance and corporate services teams to support business objectives.
• Support Project Managers in creating, maintaining, and reviewing project financial plans, budgets, and forecasts.
• Assist in project setup to ensure accurate management information extraction.
• Represent Finance positively to business stakeholders.
• Act as a role model, supporting staff development, performance, and career progression.
• Introduce and support the adoption of best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify and pursue personal development opportunities and career progression.
• Encourage team collaboration and shared responsibility for outcomes.

Person Specification

Technical Competencies

Essential:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication, able to present plans to support business decisions
• Budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning expertise
• Ability to provide robust project financial advice

Desired:

• Experience implementing process improvements
• Strong ability to lead change initiatives effectively

Behavioural Competencies

Essential:

• Adaptable and influential, able to communicate with clarity to diverse audiences
• Comfortable managing risk and uncertainty
• Strong attention to detail and quality
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Data-driven problem-solving skills
• Effective stakeholder management

Desired:

• Strong leadership skills with experience building high-performing teams
• Results-focused, resilient, and persuasive in communication

Qualifications, Certifications, and Experience

Essential:

• Degree or equivalent qualification
• Proven experience as a Finance Business Partner with commercial interaction
• Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)
• 5+ years\' financial/accounting experience

Desired:

• Experience using Oracle Cloud

“People Group is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to promoting an inclusive environment for both our clients and employees”