Finance Business Partner (12 month maternity cover)

The Opportunity

Our successfully growing client is looking for an experienced and commercially focused Finance Business Partner to join their Finance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract, providing maternity cover.

In this key role you will provide hands-on financial support to a designated division and act as a trusted partner to operational, commercial and senior leadership teams. You will work closely with the Divisional Director, General Managers and the wider Finance team to drive performance, strengthen financial controls and deliver high-quality management information.

Responsibilities will include:

• Producing monthly management accounts and rolling forecasts in line with company policies, accounting standards and agreed deadlines
• Delivering variance and trend analysis with clear insights to support operational and commercial decisions
• Leading the production of divisional budgets and forecasts, identifying risks, opportunities and performance drivers
• Preparing and managing open-book contract budgets for client review and agreement
• Partnering with General Managers through regular performance reviews, supporting profitability analysis, process improvements and pipeline management
• Providing financial support and challenge to the Divisional Director and Commercial Manager through performance reviews and exception reporting
• Analysing workstream and project profitability, and presenting findings and recommendations to key stakeholders
• Completing and reviewing balance sheet reconciliations in a timely way, resolving any issues
• Driving continuous process improvement by maximising the functionality of finance systems and enhancing reporting
• Supporting working capital and cash flow performance by working closely with Accounts Receivable
• Providing financial input, analysis and support for tenders, commercial proposals and business opportunities
• Acting as the key Finance contact for operational teams, providing ongoing guidance and support

The Candidate:

Qualifications and experience

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a Finance Business Partner, Management Accountant or commercial finance role
• Proven track record of producing accurate management accounts and reporting to tight deadlines
• Experience working closely with operational, commercial and senior leadership teams
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements within finance and reporting functions
• Strong understanding of financial controls, forecasting and budgeting processes
• Experience in warehousing, logistics or fulfilment environments would be advantageous

Skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information
• Advanced Excel skills, with strong financial modelling, forecasting and reporting capabilities
• Experience using Finance/ERP systems and Microsoft Office
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence decisions through high-quality insight
• Strong organisational and time management skills, able to manage multiple priorities
• Able to work independently, use initiative and adapt to changing business needs
• A positive, flexible and proactive approach with a customer-focused mindset