Senior Finance Business Partner

Job Description Overview

An exciting opportunity exists for a Senior Finance Business Partner to join the Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis team. The successful candidate will provide financial leadership across rapidly evolving business functions, including IT, Marketing and other corporate functions. They will help senior operational leaders manage costs, prioritise investments and deliver measurable business value. Reporting to the Divisional Finance Director, the role forms part of a small, high-performing global team focused on delivering quality insights and driving continuous process improvement and optimisation.

It requires a broad commercial perspective, specialist financial expertise and the confidence to challenge established approaches and identify innovative solutions. The role will ideally be based in Epsom, UK, working from the office a minimum of two days per week. Alternative working arrangements may be considered for a particularly strong candidate.

Finance partnership with senior operational leaders Act as a trusted specialist adviser to senior functional leaders and their leadership teams, independently translating complex financial and commercial information into clear recommendations. Challenge assumptions constructively, anticipate potential objections and influence senior stakeholders to make informed decisions that support Group priorities. Communicate difficult or sensitive matters clearly, build consensus and maintain a strong "no surprises" culture.

Financial planning Lead the development of high-quality financial plans for multiple cost centres across global regions, covering operating expenditure, capital expenditure, headcount, contracts, project investments and cash flows. Challenge established planning assumptions and coordinate with budget holders and procurement teams to ensure forecasts accurately reflect organisational priorities, resource requirements and contractual commitments. Interpret internal and external business challenges, develop scenarios and recommend the allocation of resources across competing priorities.

Financial reporting and performance management Own the quality and integrity of monthly performance reporting. Coordinate support from Financial Shared Services, maintain effective communication, ensure timely and accurate outputs that meet stakeholder needs, and resolve complex accounting, data or process issues. Lead monthly performance discussions with senior management, explaining results in a relevant and accessible way and highlighting material risks, opportunities and trends.

Challenge performance, secure agreement on corrective actions and monitor delivery against agreed outcomes. Maintain an effective financial control environment across all supported functions, including balance sheet controls, delegated authorities, accounting compliance and the appropriate management of financial risk.

Financial analysis and decision support Lead complex financial analysis, scenario modelling and investment appraisals to identify innovative solutions and recommend actions with material business impact. Evaluate options through a broad commercial lens to maximise value from functional spend and support strategic decisions. Interpret and apply financial policy, accounting requirements and governance frameworks to complex or novel situations, exercising independent judgement and recommending appropriate solutions.

Process improvement and transformation Identify and apply internal and external best practices to optimise financial processes and strengthen reporting automation, AI-enabled finance tools and data-analysis capabilities. Act as a specialist resource for colleagues, providing subject-matter guidance and coaching team members with less experience. Promote knowledge sharing and collaboration across the wider FP&A team, supporting a "One Team" culture focused on excellence, accountability and continuous learning.

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent) with substantial and demonstrable relevant experience operating at a senior finance business partnering level in large, complex, multinational organisations undergoing significant change.

Deep and broad expertise in financial planning and analysis, business partnering, management reporting, financial modelling, cost control and financial governance.

Proven ability to work independently and resolve complex, ambiguous or novel problems using sound judgement and analysis from multiple information sources.

Demonstrable success in interpreting business challenges, recommending best practices and improving processes or services.

Ability to communicate complex and sensitive issues clearly, provide constructive challenge and influence senior stakeholders to reach well-informed decisions.

Track record of acting as a subject-matter resource and developing colleagues with less experience.

Advanced Excel skills and experience with enterprise financial systems, such as Oracle ERP and…