We're seeking a Finance Business Partner (FBP) to act as a strategic advisor to business leaders, providing financial insight, analysis, and recommendations to drive informed decision-making and support the achievement of business objectives. The role combines financial expertise with commercial awareness to influence strategy, improve performance, and ensure robust financial governance.
Duties & responsibilities:
* Act as a strategic partner to business units, providing timely financial analysis, insights, and recommendations to support decision-making.
* Prepare and present management accounts, budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis to senior management.
* Monitor financial performance against budgets and KPIs, highlighting risks, opportunities, and trends.
* Support business planning and strategic initiatives with financial modelling, scenario analysis, and cost-benefit evaluations.
* Challenge and support operational managers to improve financial performance, drive efficiency, and manage costs.
* Work closely with the Finance Director and central finance team to ensure accurate reporting, compliance, and adherence to financial policies.
* Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting, ensuring timely delivery and quality of data.
* Identify, recommend, and implement improvements to financial processes, systems, and controls.
* Support business cases for investment, capital expenditure, and other strategic projects.
* Provide ad-hoc financial analysis and reporting as required by senior management.
Knowledge, skills and experience
* Strong financial analysis, modelling, and reporting skills.
* Excellent Excel and financial software skills (ERP experience desirable).
* Ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights for non-finance stakeholders.
* Strong communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
* Problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to influence outcomes.
* Understanding of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
* Knowledge of accounting principles, corporate finance, and relevant statutory requirements.
* Commercial and industry awareness relevant to the business.
* Proven experience as a Finance Business Partner, Senior Financial Analyst, or similar role.
* Experience partnering with non-finance stakeholders to drive performance and deliver insights.
* Track record of financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting in a complex business environment.
* Experience in identifying process improvements and implementing change initiatives.
* Relevant professional qualification preferred (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or working towards.
Key behaviours:
* Commercially aware, with the ability to understand and interpret business drivers and financial performance.
* Proactive and self-motivated, able to anticipate business needs and provide solutions.
* Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, able to build credibility and trust with stakeholders at all levels.
* Collaborative and flexible, able to work across teams and departments effectively.
* Analytical, detail-oriented, and methodical in approach.
* Confident decision-maker, able to present recommendations clearly and persuasively.
* Professional, ethical, and discreet with confidential financial information.