Finance Business Partner - Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8DBContract: PermanentSalary: Between 60,000 and 70,000 per annumThis is a Financial Business Partnering role within the Operations Finance team and reports to the Head of Finance for Water. The role will be a business partner to the members of the Water Senior Leadership team and is responsible for performance reporting, forecasting and analysis. The key purpose of the role is to drive optimal performance at the best value for money across both Opex and Capex investments.The role covers operations functions primarily supporting the delivery of our leakage activities, as well as working closely with colleagues across the Water finance team. In terms of cost stacks, the role will work across the whole P&L, including revenue, employee, power, materials, third party, and capex costs and thus needs to become familiar with activity drivers of value.What youll be doing as a Finance Business PartnerEnsure that you are sharing and understanding key insights across the financial landscape so that there is one clear understanding of financial performanceLead and assist in setting a business plan that achieves all operational and financial objectivesPrepare and upload budgets and forecasts for operational expenditure, measuring and understanding performance against these metricsIdentify, monitor and support the business to mitigate key risks and opportunitiesSupport any Investment Committee Papers regarding Budget and Actual Cost analysis and approvals, and agreeing, tracking and driving business improvement initiativesTrack and monitor business improvement initiatives for your area (for example, efficiencies and transformation initiatives), providing robust assurance of claimed benefitsOwn the modelling for relevant business area activities and fulfil the role as SME in this spaceInput as required to any other key business requirements (e.g. regulatory returns, analytical reviews)Ensure that key business models are maintained for your business unit that support financial planning and analysis (e.g. supporting activity-based costing, find and fix analysis, event reporting, etc.).Support the business in developing new models as appropriate, ensuring these are robust and aid decision-makingBase Location: Hybrid ReadingWorking Pattern or hours: 36 hoursThis is a fixed-term contract/ Secondment 13- 18 monthsWhat you should bring to the roleTo thrive in this role, the essential criteria youll need are:Qualified accountant or QBEBusiness partnering, Management Accounting, Project / Capital accounting experienceNot afraid to challenge and influence decision-making, as well as building strong relationshipsPlanning and Organisational skills to work effectivelyAnalytical skillsPresentation skillsMicrosoft products including ExcelInformation system skills such as HFMAdditional skills and experiences would be great to have/bring:Experience in a large/complex organisationExperience working with Power BI, SAC and SAPWhats in it for you?Competitive salary up to 60,000 - 70,000 per annum, depending on experienceAnnual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targetsGenerous Pension Scheme through AONAccess to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your familys health and wellbeing, and your finances from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assuranceFind out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)Who are we?Were the UKs largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. Its a big job, and weve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.Learn more about our purpose and valuesWorking at Thames WaterThames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, youll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.If youre looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of peoples lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, well be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.Were committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether thats extra time, accessible formats, or anything else, just let us know. Were here to help and support.When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, youll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. Its also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.