Finance Business Partner - 6-9 Month FTC

Wilkinson & Associates Ltd; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Finance Business Partner for a hybrid role in Edinburgh. This position is crucial for providing insightful financial analysis and guidance on cost-based performance. You'll partner with department heads, lead budgeting cycles, and prepare management reports that drive strategic decision-making. With a focus on cost control and continuous improvement, this role offers a fantastic opportunity to influence financial processes and support a leading organization. If you are a qualified accountant with strong analytical skills and a passion for finance, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with post-qualification experience required.
• Strong background in business partnering and management reporting.

Responsibilities

• Partner with department heads to provide financial insights and challenge on cost drivers.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly management reports for senior leadership.

Skills

Financial Analysis

Cost Accounting

Budgeting and Forecasting

Management Reporting

Advanced Excel

Stakeholder Management

Analytical Skills

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Job description

W&A is partnering with a leading organisation based in Edinburgh (hybrid) to help source a Finance Business Partner for a 6-9 month fixed-term contract.

Role Purpose:

To act as a key finance business partner supporting functional cost owners by providing insightful financial analysis and guidance on cost-based performance, while also taking ownership of timely, accurate, and meaningful management reporting. This role ensures effective cost control, supports strategic decision-making, and drives continuous improvement in financial processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Finance Business Partnering (Cost-Based Focus):

• Partner with department heads to provide financial insights and challenge on cost drivers, risks, and opportunities.
• Lead the budgeting and forecasting cycles for operating expenses, ensuring alignment with business strategy and financial targets.
• Track and analyse monthly cost performance against budget/forecast, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions.

Management Reporting:

• Prepare monthly and quarterly management reports for senior leadership that include clear narratives on cost performance, KPIs, and variance analysis.
• Consolidate and communicate financial results across functions with clear visualisation for decision-making.
• Drive improvements in reporting processes, ensuring automation, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Support the development and maintenance of financial models and reporting tools.

Key Skills & Experience:

• Qualified accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with post-qualification experience.
• Strong background in business partnering and management reporting within a large organisation.
• Solid understanding of cost accounting and financial planning processes.
• Advanced Excel.
• Excellent analytical skills and commercial acumen.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to challenge and influence.
• Experience working in a matrix environment or across multiple departments.