Job Introduction

BBC Studios is the commercial subsidiary of the BBC Group. It is made up of 11 dedicated genre units, covering scripted, unscripted entertainment, documentaries, events, music and more. It is the UK’s most commissioned and awarded (288 nominations and 55 awards in 2021/22) producer of new content; and its brands, like Strictly Come Dancing, Top Gear, Bluey and Doctor Who, are internationally recognised.

The business makes, funds and exports compelling stories for global audiences, with the BBC’s gold-standards of creativity, quality and values. It is responsible for around 2400 hours of award-winning British programming every year. Commercially, BBC Studios generated revenues of £1.6bn in 2021/22, three-quarters of which came from non-BBC customers such as Disney, Apple and Netflix. Its global digital news platform, BBC.com has 139 million unique browser visits a month.

Now, through the creation of a new Audio department, BBC Studios is building on the BBC’s strong public service heritage in audio to create a global business which can realise its wider creative and commercial potential.  The new audio production unit will align and collaborate with Global Distribution, Brands & Licensing and teams across the BBC to drive the overall commercial growth of BBC Studios.

The newly created role of Finance Business Partner will support the Director of Audio, BBCS Productions as well the SVP, Audio Distribution in providing an overall view of forecasted performance of the business area, support commercial deals and provide proactive strategic analysis.

Main Responsibilities

• Effectively business partner with the Director of Audio, BBCS Productions and the SVP, Audio Distribution and various other key stakeholders to provide finance support and analyse business performance for Audio as an end-to-end business.
• Embedding key processes and controls to be adopted by the audio production teams following their move into BBC Studios. Alongside this, BBCS is also becoming the distribution representative for all BBC Audio IP including genres not produced by BBCS Audio productions for which finance procedures and reporting will need to be implemented.
• Provide regular reporting to management on performance of the genre, highlighting risks and opportunities. Provide key input to the Budget and Forecast process, including quarterly end to end reporting.
• Work closely with Finance Central to review monthly results and ensure transactions are accounted for appropriately.
• Provide pragmatic advice to commercial teams to help deliver most value for the organisation whilst applying best practice methodologies.
• Partner with other BBC Studios Production genres and key areas of BBCS Distribution and Brands & Licensing to understand and analyse end-to-end value of the portfolio, providing key input to the strategic direction and long range plan of the Audio business.
• Reports to Head of Commercial Finance.

Are you the right candidate?

At BBC Studios, we seek people who are passionate about who we are and what we do.

• Professional accounting qualification ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent.
• With a proven track record in commercial finance, you’ll possess strong numerical and analytical skills reflecting an ability to manipulate and interpret data. With demonstrable use of initiative, you anticipate issues and present practical solutions to deliver high quality output to tight deadlines.
• Naturally inquisitive, a successful Finance Business Partner demonstrates a collaborative, proactive and self-motivated character with strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities against conflicting deadlines.
• You’ll be adept at influencing across the board, with an adaptive and inclusive communication style  that is suitable for both finance and non-finance colleagues.
• Proficient in Excel and strong modelling experience.
• Accomplished in forecasting, reporting and consolidations in a complex business environment is advantageous.
• Interest in, and working knowledge of Audio or TV Production and distribution would also highly favourable.

Job Description

Band: E
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: London – Television Centre

Working Pattern: Hybrid Working (Home-based plus two/three days a week in the office).

We are really proud to share that we are a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer and so if you require any reasonable adjustments in order to apply please do contact us at Sharmin.Brennand@bbc.com with the job reference in the subject.

We offer flexibility, competitive benefits and the opportunity to be part of the BBC’s exciting mission. Some of the key benefits you’ll get from working in this role are:
Flexible/Agile working – opportunities across the business. We believe in empowering you to do your best work, so we offer support and flexibility to balance work and home. We’re happy to discuss a formal flexible working pattern. Please indicate your choice under the flexible working question in the application. There is no obligation to raise this at the application stage but if you wish to do so, you are welcome to. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at the offer stage.
Unrivalled training and development opportunities – we operate a people-first culture and pride ourselves on your development. Our in-house Academy hosts a wide range of internal and external courses and certifications.
Excellent career progression – BBC Studios offers great opportunities for employees to seek new challenges and work in different areas of the organisation. Leaders at the BBC are passionate about helping our people grow in the organisation and you will have regular sessions with your line manager to support you with your career ambitions.
Benefits – We offer a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week for work-life balance and 26 days (plus an additional day which is a Corporation Day) with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care, gym and much more.

About the BBC

The BBC is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce and therefore strongly encourages applications from under represented groups. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of their background. We strive to be the best British content company in the world, attracting the best creative talents in the business, so that we can bring premium quality award-winning programmes, content and brands to the viewer no matter where they are.

The BBC Group has set out the first in a new series of bold steps to transform our programming and better represent the public we serve. We have the biggest financial investment to on-air inclusion in the industry, together with our existing commissioning budget, we are committed to throwing open our doors more widely than ever to diverse stories and diverse storytellers. Together with a diverse workforce we will accelerate the pace of change in increasing diversity and inclusion both on and off air

To find out more about Diversity and Inclusion at the BBC, please visit our website.