UK Finance Business Partner

Job Title: UK Finance Business Partner

Reports to: Head of FP&A

Based: Hybrid with two days a week in our Burntwood, Staffordshire National Support Centre

Salary: DOE

About the role

We are seeking a highly skilled and dynamic Finance Business Partner to join our team. As a Finance Business Partner, you will be responsible for providing financial insights, analysis, and guidance to support decision-making within the organisation. You will collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including operational leaders, department heads and senior management.

About Busy Bees and our culture

Established in 1983 we are now not only the largest but also the leading provider of childcare in the UK and the fourth largest provider in the world with plans for this year to reach 1000 centres globally. This is the most exciting time to join us!

Working at Busy Bee’s offers several benefits, including competitive pay, flexible scheduling, opportunities for professional development and advancement. We also offer a supportive and collaborative work environment where you can learn from experienced colleagues and make meaningful connections here.

We understand the position's demands, which is why your well-being as an individual is important to us. To us, wellbeing means you feel socially connected, healthy, content, and purposeful at Busy Bees.

Responsibilities

• Financial Analysis and Reporting: Conduct comprehensive financial analysis to provide insights into business performance. Prepare accurate and timely financial reports and presentations for management, highlighting key trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Collaborate to develop annual budgets and forecasts. Provide guidance and support in the budgeting process, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and operational accountability. Monitor budget performance and assist in identifying and addressing any deviations from targets.
• Business Planning and Strategy: Partner with key stakeholders to develop and evaluate strategic initiatives and business plans. Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support decision-making. Assess the financial viability and impact of new projects or ventures.
• Performance Management: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track business performance. Analyse performance against targets, identify areas

for improvement, and work with stakeholders to develop action plans. Provide regular performance updates and insights to management.

• Stakeholder Management: Build strong relationships with business leaders and operational teams, acting as a trusted advisor. Understand their objectives and challenges and provide financial guidance and support. Collaborate on cross-functional projects and initiatives to drive operational efficiency and financial effectiveness.
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Identify financial risks and opportunities within the business units. Conduct risk assessments and develop strategies to mitigate risks and optimize financial performance. Ensure compliance with financial regulations, policies, and internal controls.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify process improvement opportunities within the finance function and contribute to their implementation. Streamline financial processes, enhance financial systems, and leverage technology to increase efficiency and accuracy.

Key skills & Experience

• Professional certifications such as ACCA, CIMA, or ACA are preferred.
• Proven experience as a Finance Business Partner, Financial Analyst, or similar role in a UK context.
• Strong financial analysis and modelling skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate complex financial data from multiple systems to non-financial stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence decision-makers.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in financial software and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Benefits

• Sector leading Family Leave. Enhanced maternity/paternity and adoption leave
• Annual salary bonus
• Hybrid working
• Big Benefits. Dedicated 24/7 employee benefits platform ‘Smart Hive’ with retail, cinema, and travel discounts
• Childcare discounts. It is not always easy to cover the costs of childcare, so we are really pleased to offer you a generous discount to support your family’s needs.
• Birthdays off. Birthdays with colleagues can be fun but we give you the day off to celebrate, YOU! Plus, the longer you collaborate with Busy Bee’s, the more your holiday entitlement grows
• Health and Wellbeing. We know that sometimes life can be tricky, or you might need guidance so you can lean on our Employee Assistance Program and our Peppy and Mental Health Apps
• Further Training and development. Access to our own training company to help support you in your development and gaining further qualifications