Group Finance Business Partner

My client a FTSE 250 business based in Central London are looking for a Group Finance Business Partner. This newly created role represents a unique opportunity to be part of a team delivering a comprehensive accounting service as part of the Group Finance function.

Group Costs and Processes provide:

• Record to report activities for the Group Management Services company and associated corporate entities;
• Financial control for gross budgeted expenditure of c£60m;
• Support to other Group functions; and
• Transaction processing for:
• Purchase to pay
• Payroll recording
• Asset accounting
• Business unit recharges
• Employee expenses.

Ø Reporting and Control

o Provide support to the Head of Costs and Processes, through development and provision of insightful analysis on Central Costs

o Develop a Global function reporting and lead the development of Group wide management reporting for functional Senior Executives to identify business opportunities

o Track, report, analyse and challenge head office costs activities, providing insight into costs incurred and actions required to be taken to meet plans / targets

o Engage, influence and guide the finance team in understanding financial impacts and trends

o Partner with non-finance functions, developing ad hoc analysis and reporting as required and be a force of proposition in driving improvements

o Design and develop a centre of excellence for recharges and allocation models for costs required to be recharged to markets

o Develop reporting processes and procedures to improve control and efficiency

o Deliver on Minimum Control Framework (MCF).

Ø Capital Expenditure/ Project Spend

o Own processes and policies governing Capital Expenditure and key project spend, including authorisation limits and capital appraisals;

o Review of projects from business case through to approval;

o Collaborate with the IT function to review, analyse and provide guidance on project costs and recharges

o Monitor capital projects when approved;

o Where appropriate and in conjunction with other stakeholders (e. Group Tax), develop recharge methodology for centrally incurred project expenditure and communicate basis for recharge and amounts to be recharged to the markets;

o Develop appropriate allocation models and post implementation reviews

Ø Other

o Partner with Procurement function on Central procurement initiatives;

o Leverage implementation of new systems - SAP, Concur and Coupa

o Provide finance support for head office projects as they arise.

Ø Perform other duties, as appropriate

Ø At least 5 years' experience, fully Qualified Accountant

Ø Experienced in working in a Plc / Head Office function

Ø Support/guide and influence various stakeholders through all levels of seniority in the organisation to drive culture of control improvement, drive actions on projects and initiatives

Ø Ability to influence, engage and constructively challenge with a solutions focussed approach

Ø Good understanding of financial accounting and businesses processes

Ø Ability to work collaboratively with all teams, gaining colleague engagement

Ø Delivery focused with an ability to work to tight deadlines

Ø Strong communication and influencing skills at all levels, demonstrating deep subject matter expertise balanced with pragmatic understanding of business need/priorities.

Ø Ability to prioritise and effectively manage multiple demands

Ø Management Reporting

Ø Advanced MS Excel Skills

Ø High level of accuracy and attention to detail

Ø SAP Finance experience preferred