Finance Business Partner

Job Title: Finance Business Partner

Reporting to: Business Unit General Manager

Functional reporting to: Regional Financial Controller

Business Unit: Sutton (London)

Purpose of the Position:

Provision of accurate and timely financial information, decision support and performance analysis to the Business Unit General Manager (BUGM) to assist with the effective running of the business unit. Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with the Operational and Administrative staff within the business unit, working within a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities & Duties:

General accounting:

• Ensure transactions are accurately recorded in a timely manner in accordance with the Group and accounting rules.

• Posting of General ledger journals.

• Monitor and report off-balance sheet commitments.

• Apply technical accounting knowledge to ensure correct treatment of financial transactions.

Project accounting and support:

• Support the Design Delivery Managers in understanding their projects.

• Coach/train Design Delivery Managers on the Project Accounting Systems so they can effectively monitor their projects.

• Function as a trusted advisor on financial matters, translating complex financial data into business-relevant insights.

Financial planning and analysis:

• Prepare and present monthly/quarterly financial reports.

• Provide actionable insights based on financial data to improve business performance.

• Regular analysis of Key Performance Indicators such as invoice lag, debtors, variances, and productive hours, communicating these with all stakeholders within the business unit.

• In conjunction with the BUGM, perform monthly project reviews to ensure project performance is properly and prudently assessed.

Budgeting and forecasting:

• Active involvement with the annual budget preparation process

• Assist the BUGM in obtaining market intelligence to facilitate strategy and budget formulation.

• Active involvement and preparation of the quarterly reforecasting of business unit financial performance

• Monitor and track business unit performance against budgets, providing variance analysis and recommendations for corrective actions.

• Support the BUGM to control overhead spend in line with budget.

Cash Management:

• Evaluate the credit worthiness of new and existing clients.

• Maximum invoicing and ensure effective and efficient credit control in the business unit.

• Identify cost drivers and opportunities for cost reduction.

• Ensure set up and payment of suppliers are performed in accordance with our control procedures and agreed payment terms.

Control and compliance:

• Ensure all monthly and quarterly business unit reporting is done to timetable.

• Ensure the business unit is compliant with Group Internal Control procedures and lead internal control reporting for the business unit.

• Support internal and external audits, providing necessary documentation and explanations.

Other:

• Lead and participate in the administration of the business unit and the team.

• Completion of other non-financial reporting obligations of the business unit such National Statistics information, Sustainable Development and HR reporting.

• Function as a catalyst to drive forward initiatives to achieve business strategy.

• Manage and deliver ad-hoc financial analysis for specific projects or initiatives.

• Evaluate and present financial implications of new business opportunities or changes in operations.

Qualifications and experience

• CIMA/ACCA/ACA or equivalent accounting qualification

• Minimum of 2 years post qualified experience in financial planning, analysis, or management accounting.

• Experience in business partnering, providing financial guidance and strategy.

Skills

• Ability to explain complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.

• Ability to build and sustain relationships based on trust at all levels.

• Focused on quality and accuracy, within fast paced environment, adhering to deadlines.

• Ability to understand the core operations and strategic priorities of the business.

• Strong analytical skills to interpret variances, identify trends, risks, and opportunities.

• Ability to use sound judgement to ensure appropriate messages are delivered.

• Strong financial skills applied in a project costing context.

• Cash Management experience.

• Strong IT skills in particular, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

• Knowledge of SAP desirable

• Able to plan and deliver projects within agreed timeframes.

• Excellent organisational skills

• Ability to collaborate with different teams and influence decision-making.

• High attention to detail, problem-solving, and proactive mindset.

Base location and travel requirements

• This role will be based in our Sutton office, but the successful candidate must be willing to travel to meet project and business requirements.