Finance Business Partner - FP&A (Europe)

Merlin Entertainments Group; London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the entertainment industry is seeking a Finance Business Partner – FP&A (Europe) to join their Group Finance team. This strategic role involves financial planning, budgeting, and analysis to support business leaders in achieving operational efficiencies and long-term goals. The position offers a hybrid working environment and a competitive salary package with numerous benefits.

Benefits

Pension

Life Assurance

Discretionary company bonus

25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Merlin Magic Pass for free admission to attractions

Enjoy the Ride pass for unlimited entry

25% discount in retail shops and restaurants

40% discount on LEGO

Fun and friendly work environment

Qualifications

• Experience in financial planning and analysis roles.
• Strong experience in financial modelling, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Ability to translate financial data into strategic insights.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement finance strategy aligned with business goals.
• Lead the budgeting process and conduct variance analysis.
• Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership.

Skills

Financial Modelling

Budgeting

Forecasting

Business Partnering

Financial Analysis

Education

Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration

ACCA, CIMA, CPA certification

Tools

Financial Analysis Tools

Job description

What you'll bring to the team

Due to continuing growth and development of Merlin’s attractions and brands on a global scale, we are looking for aFinance Business Partner – FP&A (Europe)to join our Group Finance team on a permanent basis. The role has a flexible location with a hybrid-working available.

The Finance Business Partner – FP&A (Europe) is a strategic role responsible for providing financial planning and analysis support to senior business leaders. The role involves overseeing budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and variance analysis to drive operational efficiencies and support long-term strategic goals. As a key financial partner, this role ensures optimal resource allocation, cost management, and the financial health of the organisation.

As a Finance function at Merlin, we take immense pride in how we work with our colleagues to help deliver the business’ strategic goals and ultimately a great guest experience. This role embodies the essence of business partnering and will be a critical enabler of success for our business. You will also;

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and Implement Finance Strategy – Lead the creation and execution of a financial strategy that aligns with Merlin’s broader business goals, focusing on financial performance, forecasting, and long-term planning.
• Executive Advisory – Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, providing financial insights, identifying risks and opportunities, and supporting strategic decision-making.
• Business Partnering – Collaborate with business units to ensure financial insights drive commercial decisions while maintaining corporate alignment.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Financial Modelling and Forecasting – Develop financial models and forecasts to provide accurate and timely insights that support strategic business decisions.
• Budgeting – Lead the budgeting process, ensuring alignment with business objectives while driving cost efficiency and resource optimisation.
• Variance Analysis – Conduct in-depth variance analysis to assess business performance, highlighting key drivers, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience in financial planning and analysis roles.

• Strong experience in financial modelling, budgeting, forecasting, and business partnering within a large, multinational organisation.

• Experience working in FP&A within a corporate finance function, ideally within the entertainment, hospitality, or leisure industry.

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; relevant certifications (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, CPA) preferred.

• Ability to translate financial data into strategic insights that drive business performance.

• Strong understanding of financial performance metrics, financial analysis, and modelling.

• Ability to lead and influence business leaders, with the capacity to drive financial improvements across diverse teams.

• Proficiency in financial analysis tools and software, with the ability to present complex data in a clear and actionable manner.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of explaining financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.

• Understanding of business practices and cultural nuances, with experience managing teams across multiple regions.

• Ability to navigate complex financial challenges and provide practical solutions.

Benefits

We’re growing fast and alongside a fun and friendly environment, we offer a fabulous package and amazing prospects – ideal if you’re already fantastic and want to become even better (our magic can help here). Benefits include Pension, Life Assurance, discretionary company bonus, 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, a Merlin Magic Pass which gives you and your friends and family free admission to all of our attractions worldwide, an Enjoy the Ride pass which entitles you and 5 loved ones unlimited entry into your regional attractions, 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants and 40% discount on LEGO, plus lots more!

Pay Range

Competitive