Finance Business Partner

Sharpsmart; Essex; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading waste management provider is seeking a Finance Business Partner to bridge the gap between numbers and business performance. In this role, you will work closely with commercial and operational teams to provide insights that drive profitability. Key responsibilities include leading budgeting processes and conducting profitability analysis. Ideal candidates are part-qualified accountants with experience in manufacturing or process-driven sectors. This role offers competitive compensation and a dynamic working environment in Essex.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Ongoing development and progression opportunities

Dynamic work environment

Qualifications

• Fully or part-qualified accountant with experience in manufacturing, waste, or process-driven industries.
• Strong skills in product costing, financial modelling, budgeting, and performance reporting.
• Ability to translate complex data into clear insights.

Responsibilities

• Partner with commercial and operations teams to deliver financial analysis.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning.
• Conduct detailed costing and profitability analysis.

Skills

Financial modelling

Budgeting

Stakeholder engagement

Advanced Excel

ERP system proficiency

Education

CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent

Job description

We're hiring a Finance Business Partner who can bridge the gap between numbers and business performance. In this hands-on role, you'll work closely with our commercial and operational teams, providing insight, challenge, and guidance to drive profitability and efficiency across the business.

This isn't a traditional finance role. We're looking for a commercially minded professional who can act as a true business partner-someone who can turn financial data into clear insights.

This role will be based at our Rainham Essex plant 3 days per week with option to work 2 days from home!

Key role focus

• Partner with commercial, operations, and engineering teams to deliver meaningful financial analysis that drives strategic and operational decisions
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning processes that support our manufacturing goals
• Conduct detailed costing and profitability analysis to identify opportunities for margin improvement and cost control
• Produce and present monthly management reports with clear insights and commentary on key variances
• Drive process improvements, leveraging ERP systems and data analysis to enhance accuracy and efficiency
• Evaluate and support major tenders, contracts, and capital projects, ensuring sound financial decisions align with business objectives
• Build strong relationships across departments and influence stakeholders to embed financial discipline and commercial awareness throughout the business

Candidate profile

• Fully or part-qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent) with experience in manufacturing, waste, or process-driven industries
• Strong skills in product costing, financial modelling, budgeting, and performance reporting
• A commercial mindset and the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with confidence influencing at all levels
• Advanced Excel and ERP system proficiency, with a proven track record of improving processes through technology and analysis
• Collaborative, proactive, and adaptable with a hands-on approach and a drive to make an impact
• Valid driving licence and willingness to travel as needed

What we can offer

• Competitive Package: A rewarding salary and benefits package that reflects your skills and experience
• Strategic Role: The opportunity to take on a high-impact position with real influence over business performance and strategy
• Career Growth: Ongoing development and progression opportunities within a growing, global organisation
• Dynamic Environment: A fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding workplace where your ideas and contributions make a visible difference

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.