We are seeking a dynamic Finance Business Partner to join our team and play a key role in shaping the company’s financial strategy and performance. This critical position involves providing insightful financial analysis, partnering with business leaders to drive performance, and ensuring strategic objectives are met. Working closely with the Head of Finance and senior management, the Finance Business Partner will act as a trusted advisor, helping improve profitability and operational efficiency.
JOB PURPOSE
The Finance Business Partner will be a pivotal role in supporting the company’s financial performance and ensuring strategic alignment across various business units. This role blends strong analytical skills with commercial awareness to help drive business decisions, operational improvements, and profitability. Reporting to the Head of Finance and working closely with senior management and department heads, the Finance Business Partner will provide insights and challenge business leaders to improve financial results while ensuring that the company’s objectives are met.
ABOUT YOU
We are looking for a highly motivated and results-driven Finance Business Partner with a passion for supporting business growth through insightful financial analysis and decision-making. You are a proactive and strategic thinker who thrives in a collaborative environment, building strong relationships with cross-functional teams to drive financial performance and operational excellence.
You have a solid background in finance, with the ability to translate complex financial data into insightful information for non-finance colleagues. You are commercially astute, with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities within a manufacturing environment. Your excellent communication skills enable you to confidently engage with non-financial stakeholders and influence key business decisions.
You are a self-starter with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic setting. Whether it’s involvement with budgeting processes, improving financial systems, or identifying cost-saving opportunities, you are dedicated to adding value to the organisation and helping shape the future direction of the business.
To be successful in this role, you will:
1. Be proficient in financial modelling, forecasting, and reporting.
2. Have a proven track record of providing strategic financial insights and driving business performance improvements.
3. Be able to manage complex financial scenarios and deliver clear, concise recommendations.
4. Be a natural collaborator, able to work across departments and build strong relationships at all levels.
5. Be comfortable challenging the status quo and seeking out opportunities for financial optimisation and operational improvements.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Strategic Financial Partnership:
1. Business Partnering & Advisory: Develop and maintain strong relationships with departmental heads and senior leaders across various business functions. Be a trusted advisor by offering financial insights, business performance analysis, and actionable recommendations that align with company goals.
2. Performance Review: Actively participate in monthly business reviews with department heads to ensure financial performance is on track and discuss strategic priorities and challenges. Provide recommendations to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
3. Decision Support: Work alongside operational teams and the Head of Finance to assess the financial implications of business decisions and assist with the preparation of business cases for new projects, investments, and cost-saving initiatives.
2. Financial Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting:
1. Budgeting & Forecasting: Contribute to the annual budgeting process and provide ongoing support throughout the year for forecasting, ensuring alignment with business targets. Collaborate with business leaders to ensure budgets are realistic and set in line with the company’s financial strategy and business objectives.
2. Monthly Reporting: Alongside wider finance team, prepare and deliver to deadlines clear, concise, and insightful monthly financial reports to senior management, covering P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, and key operational KPIs. Provide a detailed variance analysis, explaining deviations between actual performance and forecasts/budgeted figures, and recommend corrective actions where necessary.
3. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Work with department heads to define, track, and report on business performance using appropriate KPIs. Analyse trends in revenue, costs, margins, and other financial indicators to highlight business challenges and opportunities.
3. Business Performance Management:
1. Cost Control & Efficiency Improvements: Work with various departments to identify cost-saving opportunities, streamline operations, and implement best practices for cost management.
2. Profitability Analysis: Assess the financial performance of different business segments and provide insights to improve margins.
4. Process Improvements & Automation:
1. Financial Process Optimisation: Continuously evaluate financial reporting processes and systems for opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency, and transparency. Identify and lead projects to automate processes, streamline reporting, and reduce manual intervention.
2. Systems Implementation: Take a leading role in the review and planned replacement of the existing financial system.
5. Risk Management and Compliance:
1. Financial Compliance: Ensure adherence to all internal controls, financial policies, and regulatory requirements. Assist in the preparation of financial statements in compliance with accounting standards and ensure the company remains compliant with all relevant financial regulations.
2. Audit Support: Key role in the external audit process. Provide the auditors with the necessary documentation, explanations, and clarifications required for a successful audit.
6. Cross-Functional Collaboration:
1. Communication & Influence: Use strong communication and interpersonal skills to present complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders, making it accessible and understandable. Influence decision-making and drive financial literacy throughout the organisation.
7. Training and support:
1. Finance Team: Assist and deputise for the Head of Finance with the effective management of the finance team and function.
2. Training: Be a supportive and knowledgeable member of the team, providing training and guidance to more junior members of the team to aid in their development.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Confidentiality
To observe and maintain strict confidentiality in respect of colleagues, clients and all company information.
Health and Safety
To carry out the duties in accordance with the company’s Health and Safety policies and procedures.
Diversity
Have due regard to equal opportunities at all times, and to work in a fair and reasonable manner towards all people, ensuring service standards are maintained for all staff.
Quality
Provide support in striving to create a client service culture with total commitment to quality.
Other Duties
The duties and responsibilities in this role profile are not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties from time to time within the general scope of the post. Any such duties should not substantially change the general character of the post. Duties and responsibilities outside the general scope of this grade of post will be mutually agreed with the post holder.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
All criteria detailed below are essential, unless stated as “D” (desirable).
Education and qualifications
·Chartered Accountant (e.g. ICAEW, CIMA, ACCA) or in the later stages of obtaining qualification (D) – Qualified by experience candidates will also be considered where the relevant experience is present.
Experience, knowledge and understanding
·Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar role in industry or significant experience within practice.
·Ability to analyse financial data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights to inform business decisions.
·Advanced Excel skills and experience with financial ERP systems.
·Strong understanding of financial metrics and their impact on business performance, with a focus on profitability and cost optimisation.
Skills
·Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish trust and rapport with colleagues.
·Ability to think strategically and provide insightful advice to non-finance colleagues.
·Ability to develop rapport and professional relationships with managers, staff and external parties.
·Attention to detail and strong organisation skills.
·Ability to work independently and use initiative to manage workload.
·Good time management skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines and appropriately prioritise tasks.
Personal qualities and commitment
·Adopt a proactive, “can-do” attitude.
·High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality
·Ambitious and committed to own personal training and development
·Flexible approach to work tasks with a willingness to support the business where required
Other factors
·Right to work in the UK
·Satisfactory DBS and reference checks
·Willingness to work flexible hours where required
WHAT WE OFFER
Hours of Work: Full-time – 36.30 hours per week. Willing to consider part time / flexible working
* Pension scheme with employer contributions.
* Employee training, development and career growth opportunities.
* 32 days annual leave per year including bank holidays. Plus you get your birthday off!
* Life assurance of 4 x basic salary.
#J-18808-Ljbffr