finance business partner job description

Some of the tasks of a finance business partner include: reviewing commercial performance: your job is to review the company's performance monthly or annually and compare it with set goals. You review financial reports and track the performance of various departments to determine areas of improvement. For instance, if production costs are high, you find ways to improve efficiency in operations. supporting business planning: the central role of a finance business partner is forecasting financial performance and assisting the company with financial planning. You also perform analysis and modelling to assist the board of directors in planning business expansion. With a financial forecast for every investment, the company can make sound decisions. identifying and measuring key performance indicators (KPIs): as a finance business partner, you identify the performance indicators of a company and use them to measure success. For instance, to help management find the best opportunities, you compute the return on investment (ROI) for every expansion idea proposed. providing finance and business support to operations: as well as advising the board of directors on expansion and company growth, you also work with the operations staff. You help the commercial, sales and operations team understand the company's goals. You also translate company strategies into actions and measures that employees can incorporate into their daily routines. investigating significant budgetary variances: when a department exceeds its budget by a substantial margin, you help them improve the budgeting process. As a finance business partner, you investigate and analyse the financial position of each department monthly. If you find any variances, you establish the cause and provide financial management strategies to the budget holders. analysing the impact of service changes: when the company introduces a new business model or product, you analyse the impact of changes on business performance. You investigate the cost complications and help various departments adjust their budgets to meet changing needs. You also work with senior managers to prepare for changes and meet the company's financial goals.

As a finance business partner, you work indoors. The role mainly involves working on your computer and attending meetings. However, some board meetings are conducted outside the business premises, allowing you to work outdoors occasionally. Although your work involves minimal travelling, sometimes you attend conferences and industry events. You also visit external sites if the company has offsite manufacturing units. When working for a multinational company, your role may involve international travel. You ensure that strategies are in line with the expectations of the board of directors for consistent growth in all branches. Your role requires formal wear at all times.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on the company you work for, you work with finance controllers , accountants and auditors . You collaborate with finance analysts and finance managers to achieve the financial goals of the company. You also interact with professionals from other departments, such as operations managers , marketing managers and HR managers.

As a finance business partner, you work regular business hours, but your schedule often extends to evenings and weekends. You work an average of 40 hours weekly and sometimes work late to meet deadlines. You also attend late meetings and company engagements. Finance business partner positions are often full-time roles, but you can find part-time vacancies, especially in consultancy firms. As a finance business partner, you can work remotely and attend meetings via teleconferencing. However, most companies don't provide work-from-home opportunities for finance business partners.

You are only a few steps from executive management positions as a finance business partner. With your qualifications and the value you bring to businesses, you can move into an executive C-level position, like chief financial officer (CFO) or chief executive officer (CEO). Some finance business partners become consultants after gaining many years of experience in the field.

advantages of finding a finance business partner job through randstad

Finding your finance business partner job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid on a monthly basis temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a finance business partner is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

what is the role of a business partner in finance?

As a finance business partner, you secure the financial future of a company. You also oversee the company’s financial health, which includes analysing financial reports and gathering data from business operations. You update key stakeholders on the changes to implement to meet financial targets.

how much do finance business partners earn in India?

The average salary of a finance business partner is ₹2,250,000 per year. The pay scale depends on experience, educational qualifications and your employer. A finance business partner with minimal experience takes home ₹1,100,000 annually, while the most experienced workers take home over ₹3,750,000 annually.

is a finance business partner an accountant?

Yes. A finance business partner is an accountant and can perform all accounting tasks, including the preparation of financial statements and budget reports. However, they specialise in analysing the financial performance of a company and aid managers in decision-making related to company finances.

what skills do you need to be a finance business partner?

As a finance business partner, you require great analytical skills to analyse data from financial accounts. Having people skills and the ability to communicate effectively is also useful in the role. Your ability to convince and influence decision-makers is crucial.

what is the difference between a finance business partner and a finance manager?

As a finance business partner, you are strategic and focused on providing insights that aid decision-making. You support decision-making across the entire organisation, whereas a finance manager is focused on the operations and day-to-day management of finances.

how do I apply for a finance business partner vacancy?

Applying for a finance business partner job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area . Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!

Working as a finance business partner: your tasks, salary, opportunities and career opportunities

what is a finance business partner?

As a finance business partner, you advise the board of directors in an organisation and direct the management on the best strategies to grow the business. A finance business partner is usually an experienced accountant or finance expert who works with managers to track the company's financial performance and propel the business forward. The job involves using forecasting and analysis techniques to create business strategies and guide decision-making processes.

Finance business partners are crucial in building relationships between the board of directors and employees. You ensure employees understand company strategies and advise the board on achievable financial goals. Most finance business partners work with a particular business department to ensure its financial strategies align with the company's goals.

As a finance business partner, you convey information flawlessly and in an approachable manner. Whether you are addressing the board of directors or company employees, you'll need a mutual understanding with your audience to succeed in your work. You should be comfortable taking calculated risks and working with uncertainty. It is also important to be good at assessing data and translating its value into making decisions and impacting finance and operations.

find your job

1

average finance business partner salary

According to Payscale, the average salary of a finance business partner in India is ₹2,250,000 per year. Early in your career, you have minimal experience and are likely to start with a salary of ₹1,100,000 annually. The most experienced finance business partners earn over ₹3,750,000 per year.

how to increase the salary of a finance business partner

Your earnings as a finance business partner depend on your experience and qualifications. That means you'll likely earn more as you improve your proficiency in various financial accounting skills. When you have additional years of experience, you can use your competency to negotiate higher pay.

The company size also influences your earnings. When you work for a large company, you earn more due to the complexity of your responsibilities. Besides, large organisations have near-unlimited financial resources and can afford to pay finance business partners higher salaries.

Man and woman sitting at table having a chat, while woman working on a tablet.

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types of finance business partners

Some types of finance business partners include:

junior finance business partners: when you join the finance team, your job mainly involves data analysis and formulating business strategies. You evaluate the financial performance of the departments you work with and pass the information on to the relevant stakeholders.
senior finance business partners: as a senior finance business partner, you work alongside the board of directors, advising them on the best course of action for implementing business strategies. You also evaluate investment risks and help the directors determine the best expansion techniques.

3

working as a finance business partner

As a finance business partner, you improve the impact and understanding of financial reporting and use this information to drive financial goals. Let's explore the daily tasks and duties of a finance business partner.

finance business partner job description
Some of the tasks of a finance business partner include:
- reviewing commercial performance: your job is to review the company's performance monthly or annually and compare it with set goals. You review financial reports and track the performance of various departments to determine areas of improvement. For instance, if production costs are high, you find ways to improve efficiency in operations.
- supporting business planning: the central role of a finance business partner is forecasting financial performance and assisting the company with financial planning. You also perform analysis and modelling to assist the board of directors in planning business expansion. With a financial forecast for every investment, the company can make sound decisions.
- identifying and measuring key performance indicators (KPIs): as a finance business partner, you identify the performance indicators of a company and use them to measure success. For instance, to help management find the best opportunities, you compute the return on investment (ROI) for every expansion idea proposed.
- providing finance and business support to operations: as well as advising the board of directors on expansion and company growth, you also work with the operations staff. You help the commercial, sales and operations team understand the company's goals. You also translate company strategies into actions and measures that employees can incorporate into their daily routines.
- investigating significant budgetary variances: when a department exceeds its budget by a substantial margin, you help them improve the budgeting process. As a finance business partner, you investigate and analyse the financial position of each department monthly. If you find any variances, you establish the cause and provide financial management strategies to the budget holders.
- analysing the impact of service changes: when the company introduces a new business model or product, you analyse the impact of changes on business performance. You investigate the cost complications and help various departments adjust their budgets to meet changing needs. You also work with senior managers to prepare for changes and meet the company's financial goals.
work environment

As a finance business partner, you work indoors. The role mainly involves working on your computer and attending meetings. However, some board meetings are conducted outside the business premises, allowing you to work outdoors occasionally. Although your work involves minimal travelling, sometimes you attend conferences and industry events. You also visit external sites if the company has offsite manufacturing units. When working for a multinational company, your role may involve international travel. You ensure that strategies are in line with the expectations of the board of directors for consistent growth in all branches. Your role requires formal wear at all times.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on the company you work for, you work with finance controllers, accountants and auditors. You collaborate with finance analysts and finance managers to achieve the financial goals of the company. You also interact with professionals from other departments, such as operations managers, marketing managers and HR managers.
work schedule

As a finance business partner, you work regular business hours, but your schedule often extends to evenings and weekends. You work an average of 40 hours weekly and sometimes work late to meet deadlines. You also attend late meetings and company engagements. Finance business partner positions are often full-time roles, but you can find part-time vacancies, especially in consultancy firms. As a finance business partner, you can work remotely and attend meetings via teleconferencing. However, most companies don't provide work-from-home opportunities for finance business partners.
job outlook

You are only a few steps from executive management positions as a finance business partner. With your qualifications and the value you bring to businesses, you can move into an executive C-level position, like chief financial officer (CFO) or chief executive officer (CEO). Some finance business partners become consultants after gaining many years of experience in the field.
advantages of finding a finance business partner job through randstad
Finding your finance business partner job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid on a monthly basis
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a finance business partner is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

4

education and skills

Before you become a finance business partner in India, you require educational qualifications and certifications. Obtain a bachelor's in finance, economics or accountancy. Start with a Bachelor of Business Administration or a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance. Aside from completing your bachelor’s, pursue postgraduate qualifications in finance, such as a Master of Business Administration or a Master of Commerce. To enrol in a master’s degree programme, you should pass the requisite entrance exams, like the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT). You are also expected to be a chartered accountant with certification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

finance business partner skills and competencies

The qualities of a finance business partner include:

decision-making skills: as a finance business partner, you make crucial decisions concerning the company's growth and expansion strategies. You need decision-making skills, as mistakes can lead to huge losses.
communication skills: your job is to communicate the company strategy to various stakeholders. You need exceptional communication skills to connect with your audience and convince them.
leadership skills: as a finance business partner, you motivate workers and inspire your colleagues to improve productivity. Leadership skills help you ensure the team is cooperative, calm and supportive.
analytical skills: you require analytical skills to analyse information correctly. Since you are expected to pay attention to the company's financial performance, your analytical skills will come in handy.
people skills: you require people skills since you collaborate with various professionals in the company. It is important to be friendly and approachable when interacting with others and explaining the financial performance to stakeholders.

5

FAQs about working as a finance business partner

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a finance business partner.

what is the role of a business partner in finance?

As a finance business partner, you secure the financial future of a company. You also oversee the company’s financial health, which includes analysing financial reports and gathering data from business operations. You update key stakeholders on the changes to implement to meet financial targets.
how much do finance business partners earn in India?

The average salary of a finance business partner is ₹2,250,000 per year. The pay scale depends on experience, educational qualifications and your employer. A finance business partner with minimal experience takes home ₹1,100,000 annually, while the most experienced workers take home over ₹3,750,000 annually.
is a finance business partner an accountant?

Yes. A finance business partner is an accountant and can perform all accounting tasks, including the preparation of financial statements and budget reports. However, they specialise in analysing the financial performance of a company and aid managers in decision-making related to company finances.
what skills do you need to be a finance business partner?

As a finance business partner, you require great analytical skills to analyse data from financial accounts. Having people skills and the ability to communicate effectively is also useful in the role. Your ability to convince and influence decision-makers is crucial.
what is the difference between a finance business partner and a finance manager?

As a finance business partner, you are strategic and focused on providing insights that aid decision-making. You support decision-making across the entire organisation, whereas a finance manager is focused on the operations and day-to-day management of finances.
how do I apply for a finance business partner vacancy?

Applying for a finance business partner job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!

finance business partner