Finance Business Partner

JDEMEA; Bury; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading omni-channel retailer is seeking a Finance Business Partner to support their Commercial Finance team. This role involves collaborating with senior leaders to provide financial insights, manage budgets, and enhance decision-making processes. Candidates should have a strong background in finance, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build relationships at all levels. The position offers opportunities for personal development and employee benefits.

Benefits

Staff discounts

Personal development opportunities

Qualifications

• 3+ years as a qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA).
• Experience in business partnering and retail sectors is advantageous.
• Advanced Excel skills required.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial support and insights to the Executive Sponsor.
• Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Deliver accurate reporting to senior leadership.

Skills

Business partnering

Data-driven insights

Communication

Analytical skills

Time management

Excel

Education

CIMA

ACCA

ACA

Tools

Oracle

TM1

Job description

Established in 1981 with a single store in the Northwest of England, the JD Group is a leading omni-channel retailer of Sports Fashion, Outdoors, and Gyms, with colleagues working across various retail fascias worldwide.

JD Sports Fashion Plc was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1996, has been a FTSE100 company since 2019, and continues to expand both in the UK and internationally.

Our goal is to be the leading global omnichannel retailer in the sports and outdoor industry. To achieve this, we seek individuals who align with our strategic goals: being people-led, innovative, and customer-focused, while delivering operational excellence and exploring new growth areas.

Reporting to: Head of Finance Business Partnering

Department: Commercial Finance

Location: JD Sports Fashion PLC, Edinburgh House, Hollinsbrook Way, Pilsworth, Bury, BL9 8RR

We are currently transforming our Finance function and are looking for a Finance Business Partner within Commercial Finance to support Centre of Excellence teams in delivering high performance.

Role Overview: As the Finance Business Partner, you will collaborate closely with your Executive Sponsor, acting as their primary financial contact. You will develop relationships within their business function to support and challenge in areas such as financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, project governance, and ad hoc requests. You will also be the financial point of contact for related costs, supporting other Finance Business Partners and senior leaders through analysis and KPIs to enhance understanding of headcount and costs.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Provide financial support to the Executive Sponsor and their team, delivering clear insights across the UK and EU.
2. Lead the annual budgeting process and forecasting cycles for the Centre of Excellence (UK & EU).
3. Deliver accurate and timely reporting to senior leadership and finance teams.
4. Facilitate regular meetings with stakeholders to review spend, address issues, and challenge assumptions.
5. Assist in preparing Quarterly Business Reviews and Annual Budget presentations, including participation and delivery.
6. Coordinate cost centre reviews for UK & EU.
7. Create reports and KPIs to support decision-making.
8. Manage project governance, tracking, and reporting within the Centre of Excellence.

Additional duties include month-end reporting, identifying efficiencies, managing capital spend, implementing controls, liaising with audits, and supporting ad hoc projects.

Required Skills and Experience:

• 3+ years as a qualified CIMA, ACCA, or ACA accountant.
• Proven experience in business partnering, including providing challenge and added value.
• Experience in retail and technology sectors is advantageous.
• Ability to deliver data-driven insights.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• High emotional intelligence and strong analytical skills.
• Capability to build relationships at all levels.
• Self-motivated with good time management and prioritization skills.
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with Oracle or TM1 is a plus.
• Attention to detail, resilience under pressure, and a positive attitude.

We value our colleagues' dedication and offer benefits such as staff discounts, personal development opportunities, and more.

Thank you for your interest.

Additional Details:

• Job Family: Head Office Lead
• Pay Type: Salary
• Employment Type: Permanent