Finance Business Partner in Castleford

Finance Business Partner

12 Month FTC – Maternity Cover

West Yorkshire

Salary Dependent on Experience

The Client

With over 20 years’ experience operating in the fast-paced and dynamic retail sector, our client provides a true end-to-end service; from store construction and consolidation to fixture procurement, projects, and mechanical & electrical installation.

The Role

Our client are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Finance Business Partner to join their Finance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract to provide maternity cover.

This is a key role within the business, providing hands-on financial support to a designated division and acting as a trusted partner to operational, commercial and senior leadership teams. You will be responsible for delivering accurate and insightful financial reporting, forecasting future performance, identifying opportunities for improvement, and supporting key business decisions through robust financial analysis.

Working closely with the Divisional Director, General Managers and wider Finance team, you will play a vital role in driving performance, improving financial controls and ensuring the delivery of high-quality management information to support strategic objectives.

Main Responsibilities

• Produce monthly management accounts and rolling forecasts in line with company policies, accounting standards and agreed deadlines.
• Deliver meaningful variance and trend analysis, providing clear insights to support operational and commercial decision-making.
• Lead the production of divisional budgets and forecasts, identifying risks, opportunities and performance drivers.
• Prepare and manage open-book contract budgets for client review and agreement where applicable.
• Partner with General Managers through regular performance reviews, supporting profitability analysis, process improvements and pipeline management.
• Provide financial support and challenge to the Divisional Director and Commercial Manager through regular performance reviews and exception reporting.
• Analyse workstream and project profitability, presenting findings and recommendations to key stakeholders.
• Ensure timely completion and review of balance sheet reconciliations, identifying and resolving potential issues.
• Drive continuous process improvement by maximising the functionality of finance systems and enhancing reporting processes.
• Support working capital management and cash flow performance by working closely with Accounts Receivable teams.
• Provide financial input, analysis and support for tenders, commercial proposals and business opportunities.
• Act as the key Finance contact for operational teams, providing ongoing financial guidance and support.

Knowledge & Experience Required

• Proven experience in a Finance Business Partnering or similar management accounting role.
• Strong business partnering approach with the ability to build effective relationships across a range of stakeholders.
• Experience working closely with operational, commercial and senior leadership teams.
• Demonstrable track record of producing accurate management accounts and delivering reporting to tight deadlines.
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements within finance and reporting functions.
• Experience working within warehousing, logistics or fulfilment environments would be advantageous.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, forecasting and budgeting processes.

Skills Required

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

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
• Minimum of 2 years' experience in a similar Finance Business Partner, Management Accountant or commercial finance role.