Finance Business Partner
Department: Business Support
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Newmarket
Description
About Us
This role sits within one of the specialist businesses that form part of Celnor Group, a collective of companies providing environmental, testing, inspection, compliance, and risk management services across the UK. Together, we are committed to protecting people, places, and the planet through practical, science-led solutions and operational excellence.
About the Role
We are seeking a hands-on, experienced, and strategic Finance Business Partner / Management Accountant to join our finance team. You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day finance function, delivering insightful financial analysis and guidance, and leading a small team. Operating in a multi-company, international, and multi-currency environment, you will ensure accurate reporting in line with group requirements, while maintaining operational, statutory, and regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities
* Prepare and present detailed management accounts with variance analysis to support business decision-making.
* Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial close processes to ensure accurate, timely reporting.
* Develop and maintain robust financial models to support strategic forecasting and planning.
* Attend and contribute to monthly financial review meetings.
* Oversee preparation of year-end accounts and audit submissions, ensuring full regulatory compliance.
* Act as a strategic partner to department heads, providing analysis to drive informed decisions and improve performance.
* Collaborate with the Celnor Group Finance Business Partner and wider finance teams to ensure group-wide alignment.
* Work closely with operational teams to understand their financial needs, supporting operational efficiency.
* Lead the annual budget process, working cross-functionally to produce accurate and challenging plans.
* Deliver regular forecasts and financial projections aligned with strategic business goals.
* Monitor actual performance against budgets/forecasts and recommend corrective actions as needed.
* Support R&D tax credit submissions and overviews.
* Lead cashflow reporting and forecasting.
* Ensure robust and accurate WIP calculations through review and challenge.
* Maintain accuracy in financial records, ensuring proper recording and filing of all transactions.
* Manage quarterly VAT returns for all UK entities.
* Complete UKIMS and TSS (Northern Ireland) export reporting requirements.
* Provide daily/weekly/monthly reporting of AMA metrics including debtors, cash, and profitability.
* Support M&A activities including financial due diligence, integration, and post-acquisition reporting.
* Lead or contribute to finance improvement projects, enhancing systems, controls, and reporting accuracy.
* Manage monthly payroll processing across group entities.
* Administer pension contributions and related reporting.
* Complete journals and statutory submissions including P11D and PSA.
* Ensure financial policies, procedures, and controls are followed to maintain a strong control environment.
* Oversee operational finance inputs, including expense claims and invoice processing.
* Work with the Systems Accountant to identify and implement process improvements.
* Provide financial advice to management and support internal stakeholders with business queries.
* Guide and develop junior team members, promoting collaboration and continuous improvement.
* Build strong relationships between finance and operational teams
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential:
* Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
* Demonstrated experience as a Finance Business Partner or Management Accountant.
* Experience using Sage 200, SICON WAP (approvals), and Xero.
* Knowledge of CIS processes and VAT reporting.
* Strong Excel skills including modelling and data analysis.
* Experience in payroll, expenses, and benefits administration.
Desirable:
* Background in a private equity-backed business.
* Exposure to international and multi-entity financial environments.
* Experience supporting M&A financial integration.
Key Attributes
* Strong analytical and financial modelling skills with excellent attention to detail.
* Proactive and strategic thinker, able to align financial goals with business priorities.
* Effective multitasker in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
* High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
* Collaborative team player with strong communication and relationship-building skills.
* Open to adopting new technologies and evolving industry best practice.
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