Finance Business Partner

Celnor; Newmarket; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Celnor is seeking a Finance Business Partner in Newmarket to manage finance functions and provide strategic analysis. This role requires a qualified accountant with proven experience in financial management, strong Excel skills, and the ability to lead a small team. Responsibilities include management reporting and compliance, ensuring alignment with group standards.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Experience as a Finance Business Partner or Management Accountant.
• Strong analytical and financial modelling skills with excellent attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day finance function, delivering insightful financial analysis and guidance.
• Prepare and present detailed management accounts with variance analysis.
• Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial close processes.
• Develop robust financial models to support strategic forecasting and planning.

Skills

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Demonstrated experience as a Finance Business Partner or Management Accountant

Experience using Sage 200

Knowledge of CIS processes and VAT reporting

Strong Excel skills including modelling and data analysis

Experience in payroll, expenses, and benefits administration

Tools

Sage 200

SICON WAP

Xero

Job description

Finance Business Partner

Department: Business Support

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Newmarket

Description

About Us

This role sits within one of the specialist businesses that form part of Celnor Group, a collective of companies providing environmental, testing, inspection, compliance, and risk management services across the UK. Together, we are committed to protecting people, places, and the planet through practical, science-led solutions and operational excellence.

About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on, experienced, and strategic Finance Business Partner / Management Accountant to join our finance team. You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day finance function, delivering insightful financial analysis and guidance, and leading a small team. Operating in a multi-company, international, and multi-currency environment, you will ensure accurate reporting in line with group requirements, while maintaining operational, statutory, and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and present detailed management accounts with variance analysis to support business decision-making.
• Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial close processes to ensure accurate, timely reporting.
• Develop and maintain robust financial models to support strategic forecasting and planning.
• Attend and contribute to monthly financial review meetings.
• Oversee preparation of year-end accounts and audit submissions, ensuring full regulatory compliance.
• Act as a strategic partner to department heads, providing analysis to drive informed decisions and improve performance.
• Collaborate with the Celnor Group Finance Business Partner and wider finance teams to ensure group-wide alignment.
• Work closely with operational teams to understand their financial needs, supporting operational efficiency.
• Lead the annual budget process, working cross-functionally to produce accurate and challenging plans.
• Deliver regular forecasts and financial projections aligned with strategic business goals.
• Monitor actual performance against budgets/forecasts and recommend corrective actions as needed.
• Support R&D tax credit submissions and overviews.
• Lead cashflow reporting and forecasting.
• Ensure robust and accurate WIP calculations through review and challenge.
• Maintain accuracy in financial records, ensuring proper recording and filing of all transactions.
• Manage quarterly VAT returns for all UK entities.
• Complete UKIMS and TSS (Northern Ireland) export reporting requirements.
• Provide daily/weekly/monthly reporting of AMA metrics including debtors, cash, and profitability.
• Support M&A activities including financial due diligence, integration, and post-acquisition reporting.
• Lead or contribute to finance improvement projects, enhancing systems, controls, and reporting accuracy.
• Manage monthly payroll processing across group entities.
• Administer pension contributions and related reporting.
• Complete journals and statutory submissions including P11D and PSA.
• Ensure financial policies, procedures, and controls are followed to maintain a strong control environment.
• Oversee operational finance inputs, including expense claims and invoice processing.
• Work with the Systems Accountant to identify and implement process improvements.
• Provide financial advice to management and support internal stakeholders with business queries.
• Guide and develop junior team members, promoting collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Build strong relationships between finance and operational teams

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience as a Finance Business Partner or Management Accountant.
• Experience using Sage 200, SICON WAP (approvals), and Xero.
• Knowledge of CIS processes and VAT reporting.
• Strong Excel skills including modelling and data analysis.
• Experience in payroll, expenses, and benefits administration.

Desirable:

• Background in a private equity-backed business.
• Exposure to international and multi-entity financial environments.
• Experience supporting M&A financial integration.

Key Attributes

• Strong analytical and financial modelling skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Proactive and strategic thinker, able to align financial goals with business priorities.
• Effective multitasker in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Collaborative team player with strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Open to adopting new technologies and evolving industry best practice.