Finance Business Partner

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.

We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

To discover more about our benefits, please visit: Benefits Package

Our finance team are committed to providing an efficient and accurate service to our legal advisors and to other support functions.  At the centre of this is ensuring that the client and office accounts are kept up to date and invoices are produced accurately and in a timely manner.

As a Finance Business Partner at Shoosmiths LLP, you will play a pivotal role in supporting on of our Legal Divisions by providing financial insights, analysis, and strategic guidance. Reporting to the Head of FP&A, you will collaborate closely with the Divisional Head and management team and key stakeholders to drive financial performance and support decision-making processes within the division.

Financial Analysis and Reporting:

• Conduct regular financial analysis to assess the division's performance against budgets, forecasts, and targets.
• Prepare insightful financial reports, dashboards, and presentations for management review.
• Financial modelling and scenario planning to provide deeper insights into potential business outcomes and challenge business decisions.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities to support strategic decision-making.

Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Assist in the development and consolidation of divisional budgets and forecasts.
• Work closely with the Divisional Leadership to understand business drivers and assumptions.
• Collaborating with other finance team members to ensure consistency and accuracy in financial planning.
• Provide variance analysis and explanations to support budget holders in managing their financial performance.

Business Partnering:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Divisional Head and other senior stakeholders, providing financial insights and guidance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments such as Finance, HR, and Business Operations to support business objectives.
• Actively participate in divisional meetings, providing financial expertise and recommendations.
• Provide support for special projects such as mergers, acquisitions, and strategic initiatives.

Performance Management:

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial metrics to assess divisional performance.
• Identify opportunities for performance improvement and cost optimisation initiatives.
• Support the Divisional Head in setting targets and tracking progress towards strategic goals.

Ad Hoc Analysis and Projects:

• Provide support to the Head of FP&A and undertake ad hoc financial analysis and projects as required by senior management.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (professional qualification such as ACCA/CIMA preferred).
• Proven experience as a Finance Business Partner or similar role within a professional services firm, preferably within the legal industry.
• Strong financial analysis skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience of financial software and tools, such as SAP, Planful or other Budgeting and modelling tools is desirable.
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in financial modelling.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to think critically and contribute to business strategy.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of the legal industry dynamics is desirable.

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.

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