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What is the role?
We are seeking an experienced Senior Finance Business Partner to join the Howden Group Services (HGS) FP&A team. This role involves partnering with C-suite leaders and their Group functions, as well as contributing to the development of FP&A initiatives, including improved analysis, upgrading reporting, and providing insights that enable decision-making capability.
The HGS FP&A team works closely with Group functions to analyse financial performance that 'tells the story' and informs decision-making through relevant reporting, accurate analysis and robust planning. These insights are integral to the Group's deliverables for senior executives, the Board, and investors, with a focus on Key Financial Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Success in this role requires someone who can demonstrate the ability to partner with the business to define the 'why' rather than just report on the 'what'. In addition, a strong grasp of underlying business drivers, dedicated collaboration with the business and a commitment to delivering high-quality value-add outcomes while driving continuous improvement across HGS.
Please note that this is a full-time, permanent role based in our Central London office. Following a hybrid working pattern, you are expected to be onsite 2-3 days per week on average.
What will you be doing?
You will leverage strong financial business partnering and analysis skills to partner with senior stakeholders, enabling insightful decision-making across HGS which will include:
- Partner with relevant function(s) to understand their cost base and provide decision-making insights.
- Provide challenge, observations and recommendations to most effectively partner with your stakeholders.
- Deliver month-end, quarter-end, year-end, forecasting and budgeting requirements as needed.
- Maintain and updating accurate financials to reflect true shape of business performance.
- Ability to quickly build relationships and foster trust, while still being able to challenge and query.
- As an SME, develop an in-depth understanding of the business drivers in your function(s).
- Effectively reflect the key messages for your assigned function(s) in relevant commentary.
- Working with your colleagues in the wider team to consolidate HGS cost base of c£350m.
- Contribute financial expertise as part of the HGS FP&A team to support decision-making and planning.
- Collaborate closely with Group FP&A to support discussions on business performance and required actions.
- Ensure that Group deliverables are met consistently.
- Provide high-level reports and deliver presentations to Management Committees or similar groups, interpreting findings and performing detailed analysis when necessary.
- Ownership and accountability mindset suited to someone seeking responsibility in the team.
- Handling ad hoc project work as directed by the Financial Controller and Finance Director.
- Investigate complex problems and major business changes to assess and mitigate risks.
- Promote a culture of individual accountability through a performance management approach that aligns personal goals with functional and business objectives.
- Embrace a change-driven mindset to foster a continuous improvement culture and actively contribute to the change agenda by assessing financial systems, processes, and reporting needs across HGS.
- Experience of cost allocation methodologies and maintaining relevant models.
What are we looking for?
- A finance professional with 10+ years as a qualified accountant, either in professional services or corporate, experienced in business partnering and commentary preparation, financial modelling alongside a broader FP&A role, including reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and other similar related responsibilities.
- Ability to demonstrate ability to effectively partner with stakeholders, provide insights and enable key-decision making capability at all levels (including C-suite).
- Self-starter who is comfortable working autonomously and as part of a team, with the ability to identify and lead on new initiatives when necessary.
- Knowledge of insurance market processes and their relevance to the Finance Business Partner role is desirable.
- Previous experience with OneStream and Unit 4 or a similar financial recording system is advantageous.
