Senior Finance Business Partner

Roles and responsibilities

A senior partnering role, working closely with non-finance business leaders to provide forward looking analysis/guidance, commercial insights and support of ad hoc queries. The role will work closely under the direction of the Finance Manager to proactively engage in project pricing, project terms negotiation, live project reviews, variation management and working capital performance, to materially improve operational performance and build commercial acumen across the Region/s.

The role will develop, mentor and empower direct team members to provide commercially focused financial solutions and advice.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Provide trusted financial advice to key stakeholders to align business direction, financial strategies, utilising a variety of data sources to support sound decision making.
• Conduct analytical reviews on project budget/effort and engage with various levels of management for discussion to facilitate decision making.
• Provide support and financial management to major projects within the business.
• Prepare and analyse various monthly management reports ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
• Analyse and review actual v budget expense accounts on the Profit and Loss Statement.
• Collaborate or advise with Tender Review Group on major project pricing to assess profitability and risk.
• Develop and improve work processes and activities ensuring compliance with key policies and framework relating to financial management.
• Address queries from Group Finance, tax, internal and external auditors.
• Drive business engagement with the annual budget process.
• Assist in other finance related issues as they arise or directed by the Finance Manager or required by Project Managers, Project Directors, Operations Managers and Business Group Managers.
• Support and coach team around technical delivery, performance, communication of complex data and client service, ensuring key objectives are met – targeted to individual strengths and team needs.
• Foster an environment of continued learning and continuous professional development.
  

Requirements

• Bachelor degree, accounting major.
• Pursuing or completed CPA/CA qualification or equivalent is highly desirable.
• 10+ years’ experience, 5+ in a similar role with experience in an international organisation preferred.
• Professional services, engineering, construction or project management industry experience is highly desirable.
• Ability to operate under ambiguity and develop new ideas and business solutions.
• Proven ability to influence, manage and prioritise across diverse stakeholders.
• Highly developed communications skills, both oral and written.
• Experience in delivering commercial outcomes.
• Experience in project pricing desirable.
• Experience in monitoring projects, analysing discrepancies and initiating proactive, corrective actions.
• Proven stakeholder and relationship skills.
• Experience in influencing, leading or developing teams.

Desired candidate profile

1. Financial Expertise

• Financial Analysis: Ability to analyze complex financial data, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and other financial reports. Drawing actionable insights from this data to inform business strategies.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Proficiency in preparing and managing budgets, creating financial forecasts, and tracking financial performance against targets.
• Financial Modeling: Ability to build and maintain financial models for budgeting, forecasting, business planning, and investment analysis.
• Cost Management: Understanding of cost structures and ability to manage and optimize costs, ensuring business profitability.
• KPIs and Performance Metrics: Setting and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the financial health of the organization and business units.
• Financial Reporting: Proficiency in preparing clear, concise, and insightful financial reports and presentations for senior management and stakeholders.

2. Strategic and Business Acumen

• Business Partnering: Strong ability to build relationships with senior business leaders across departments (e.g., marketing, sales, operations) and work collaboratively to achieve business goals.
• Decision Support: Providing strategic financial advice to guide decision-making processes, including assessing the financial impact of business initiatives, investments, and operational changes.
• Risk Management: Identifying financial risks and recommending mitigation strategies to safeguard the business.
• Long-term Planning: Assisting in the development of long-term financial strategies aligned with the overall business objectives and growth plans.

3. Communication and Influencing Skills

• Stakeholder Management: Building strong relationships with both finance and non-finance stakeholders. Communicating complex financial concepts in an easily understandable way to ensure alignment across the organization.
• Presentations: Delivering impactful presentations to senior management and executives, clearly articulating financial insights and recommendations.
• Negotiation Skills: Negotiating financial terms with vendors, suppliers, or internal stakeholders, ensuring the financial interests of the business are upheld.
• Storytelling with Data: Ability to transform raw financial data into a narrative that aligns with the company’s strategic goals and highlights actionable insights.

4. Advanced Analytical Skills

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Ability to leverage data analytics and business intelligence tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau) to drive informed decision-making.
• Scenario Planning: Conducting “what-if” analyses to evaluate potential outcomes under different business conditions.
• Variance Analysis: Analyzing financial performance variances, identifying the root causes, and providing corrective actions to improve financial outcomes.
• Benchmarking: Comparing business performance against industry standards and competitors to identify opportunities for improvement.

5. Leadership and Team Management

• Mentorship and Development: Leading and mentoring junior finance staff, providing guidance on financial analysis, reporting, and strategic decision-making.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working closely with non-finance teams, guiding them on financial matters, and ensuring financial considerations are integrated into business strategies.
• Leadership in Decision-Making: Participating in senior leadership teams and actively contributing to business decisions with a focus on financial health and strategic growth.

6. Technological Proficiency

• Financial Systems: Expertise in using financial software and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics for financial reporting, budgeting, and analysis.
• Advanced Excel Skills: Advanced proficiency in Excel for financial modeling, analysis, and reporting. Ability to create complex spreadsheets and pivot tables.
• Automation Tools: Familiarity with automation tools for financial processes, enabling more efficient data gathering, analysis, and reporting.

7. Regulatory Knowledge

• Compliance and Governance: Knowledge of financial regulations, tax laws, and compliance requirements that impact the business. Ensuring financial reporting and decision-making align with relevant standards.
• Audit and Control: Understanding of internal controls and audit processes to ensure financial integrity and transparency within the business.