Brief Description
The Renewals and Minor Enhancements organisation is made up of 4 disciplines that lead the regions capital renewals. As a result of the size of the portfolio, a new role has been created within the team for a Financial Business Partner, supporting a portfolio delivering in excess of £100m of capital projects per annum. Projects within the portfolio range from £1m to £30m and can vary in size from Liverpool Street Station roof replacement to an embankment renewal. The role predominantly business partners the programme managers and the senior finance business partners of all 4 disciplines. It will also cover not just the capital expenditure of the portfolio but operational expenditure too.
About the role (External)
Key Accountabilities
1. Lead and provide financial advice and guidance to senior budget holders in understanding the impact of the period results and forecasts against budges so they can understand their business better.
2. Be the expert in the function on accounting practices and advise on financial results and forecasts for budget holders, including preparing period accruals, transfers and adjustments to validate accounts are reflective, relevant.
3. Manage corporate governance throughout the cost centres they manage, conducting deep dives and reviewing compliance with financial regulations to protect the business from legal or negative consequences.
4. Deliver expert and accurate business review information and reporting, and highlight any significant issues with financial and other business results to enable informed decision making by the business area.
5. Engage and influence senior members of the team to help them understand their financial position and use professional expertise to guide in initiatives to improve business performance
6. Build bottom up, detailed plans to manage and develop the production of business plans and budgets to enable good corporate governance and value add analysis for senior leaders
7. Identify and proactively manage commercial risks, including the financial suitability of new customers or suppliers reducing the potential risk impact on the business area and influencing decision makers.
8. Manage the performance of central accounting functions to deliver for the cost centre area to enable an efficiently and effective accounting service.
9. Collate, investigate and make recommendation for investment appraisals and business case analysis to aid business decisions.
10. Model and analyse cost base and identify and drive opportunities and efficiencies to achieve area targets
Job Skills, Experience and Qualifications
Essential
11. Demonstrate strong understanding of business needs and relevant application of accounting standards
12. Membership (Or working towards a membership) of a relevant accounting body (CIMA/ACCA) or equivalent experience
13. Expert knowledge and experience of creating and maintaining accounts and annual budget
14. Significant experience within relevant finance disciplines
15. Strong excel skills and use of data manipulation
16. Strong interpersonal and communication skills
17. Ability to interpret technical accounting regulations into everyday language
18. Demonstrable effective influencing skills at a senior level
19. Significant understanding of financial control and risk
20. Excellent technical finance and accounting knowledge
Desirable
21. Understanding of project management principles and experience of managing complex projects
22. Membership of a relevant accounting body
23. Extensive experience of Oracle based systems
24. Degree or equivalent qualification in finance and accounting or business management or experience
Don’t meet every requirement?
Research suggests that individuals from underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a job if they don't meet all the listed criteria. We are building a diverse and inclusive place to work where people of all backgrounds can thrive. We encourage you to apply for this role. If this isn’t the job for you, there may be other roles available in the wider team.