Closing Date
2026-06-21
Job Title: Finance Business Partner – Corporate Support Function
Location: Durrington, Worthing (Hybrid working – typically 2 days per week in the office, Mon–Wed)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37
Salary: Up to £65,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience, plus benefits
About the role:
This is a high‑impact Finance Business Partner role, embedded within our corporate area of the business. You’ll operate as a true standalone partner, working across several directorates in our corporate functions, including HR, corporate affairs, H&S and others.
You’ll support several senior stakeholders, partnering with operational departments to drive business strategy, enhance decision-making, and improve financial performance.
If you enjoy working in the detail, influencing at pace, and owning financial performance end‑to‑end, this is a fantastic opportunity to make your mark.
What you will be responsible for:
1. Acting as the primary Finance Business Partner to the Corporate function, providing strategic and operational financial insight
2. Performing complex financial analysis, including trend analysis and financial modelling, to drive performance and cost ownership
3. Reporting on key performance indicators, identifying risks, errors, improvement opportunities and cost‑reduction initiatives
4. Leading the budgeting, quarterly and mid‑year forecasting cycles, advising on assumptions, trade‑offs and opportunities, and providing sign‑off on plans
5. Owning the monthly business review process, preparing insightful presentations and recommendations for senior management and corporate stakeholders
6. Supporting financial governance and change initiatives, including providing financial oversight for projects and programmes
7. Developing financial controls and forecasting techniques to ensure compliance with regulatory, customer and government requirements
8. Producing accurate cash flow, sales, budget and expense forecasts to support effective business planning
9. Designing and implementing process improvements, including creating training materials and presenting changes to stakeholders
What you’ll bring to the role
Essential
10. Proven experience in a Finance Business Partnering role
11. Strong commercial finance capability across FP&A, accounting and financial controls
12. Qualified Accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA) or Qualified by Experience
13. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and translate it into practical business insight
14. Confidence to challenge constructively, influence senior stakeholders and operate autonomously in a matrix environment
15. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with high levels of integrity and judgement
Desirable
16. Experience working in income‑generating, commercially focused or regulated environments
17. Exposure to revenue/income recognition, charging mechanisms, and opex/capex decision‑making
18. Background in utilities, infrastructure, retail or similarly complex industries
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation
"Our mission is to protect and enhance life through water—and we need passionate people to help us achieve it. If you’re inspired by our purpose and believe you can contribute, apply today. You don’t need to meet every criterion; what matters most is your drive to make a difference."
If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself)
Our Commitment to Diversity
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Additional information:
In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years.
Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre‑employment checks, including security vetting.
Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.