Finance Business Partner Job Description 2024: Free Template

Finance Business Partner job description: a comprehensive guide for employers

As your business grows, the role of a Finance Business Partner (FBP) becomes crucial in driving strategic decision-making, ensuring financial efficiency, and strengthening collaboration across multiple departments. Unlike more traditional finance roles, FBPs act as strategic advisors, offering insights that influence business direction and support sustainable growth.

This guide provides employers with a deeper understanding of the FBP role, highlighting how to attract and retain top-tier candidates and shape your recruitment strategy.

What is a Finance Business Partner?

A Finance Business Partner works alongside senior leadership and other departments to provide real-time, data-driven financial insights that inform business decisions. They act as a key liaison between finance and operations, translating complex financial data into actionable strategies that support growth and profitability. The FBP's ability to influence across functions makes them an indispensable part of the senior management team.

Crafting an effective job description for a finance business partner

Creating a compelling job description for an FBP role is essential for attracting the right candidates. The job advert should reflect the cross-functional nature of the role and its strategic significance within the company, appealing to professionals who can offer both financial expertise and commercial insight.

Here are some important aspects to highlight:

Emphasize strategic impact

Unlike purely accounting-focused roles, Finance Business Partners are instrumental in shaping overall business strategy. Key points to consider in your job description:

• Cross-functional collaboration: Make it clear that the FBP will work closely with senior leaders from different departments to align financial planning with the company’s strategic goals.
• Financial forecasting and budgeting: Candidates should have experience in financial planning that goes beyond spreadsheets—this role is about using financial data to drive strategic decisions.
• Commercial advice: The best FBPs proactively challenge decisions, ensuring that business units are making commercially sound choices. They should be able to provide financial guidance that maximizes profitability while mitigating risk.

Key responsibilities

For senior employers, the responsibilities of an FBP go beyond just delivering reports. The role involves:

• Advising on business growth opportunities: Finance Business Partners identify areas for expansion, whether through new investments, markets, or product lines.
• Managing financial performance: This includes monitoring business results, managing budgets, and identifying areas for improvement.
• Leading financial processes: FBPs oversee financial planning, analysis, and modeling, ensuring the business stays on track with its financial goals.

What to look for in a candidate

Attracting the best candidates for a Finance Business Partner role requires understanding the key skills and experience needed. While technical finance knowledge is important, a successful FBP must also possess strong business acumen and interpersonal skills.

Here are key attributes to look for:

• Analytical strength: A strong FBP can interpret financial data to identify trends and provide actionable insights.
• Commercial focus: Candidates should have a history of working with business units to drive financial performance, not just track it.
• Financial modeling expertise: Look for those proficient in tools such as Excel and financial planning software, capable of creating complex financial models that support business decisions.

The ability to influence others is crucial. An FBP must build strong relationships across the company and communicate financial insights in a way that resonates with non-financial stakeholders. They should have the gravitas to challenge decisions when needed, as well as the ability to inspire confidence and trust among senior executives.

Soft skills that make a difference

While technical proficiency is critical, soft skills such as communication, negotiation, and the ability to manage relationships are equally important. Successful Finance Business Partners often display:

• Influencing and negotiating skills: They should be able to persuade others with clear, data-backed arguments.
• Collaboration and teamwork: FBPs must work well across departments and build trusted relationships with colleagues outside of finance.

How to attract the best finance business partners

Hiring for an FBP role means finding someone who not only fits the technical and strategic requirements but also aligns with your company's culture and values. Here’s how to position the role to attract the best candidates:

1.      Offer growth and development opportunities: FBPs typically aspire to roles such as Finance Director or CFO. Make sure to highlight how the role offers opportunities for growth, such as executive training or cross-departmental leadership experiences.

2.      Showcase a collaborative work environment: Since the FBP role involves working closely with multiple business units, candidates will be looking for a culture that values teamwork and open communication. Emphasize how your company fosters collaboration and the opportunity for the FBP to influence key decisions.

3.      Competitive compensation and flexibility: Compensation for Finance Business Partners is competitive, particularly for those working at senior levels. Beyond salary, offering flexible working arrangements, such as hybrid work models, can be a significant draw for top candidates.