Finance Manager - Group Functions

Centrica Plc; Windsor; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Centrica Plc is seeking a Finance Manager for the Group Functions team in Windsor, focusing on performance analysis and reporting to support the CFO. This role encompasses financial insights and process improvements, aiming to create streamlined operations. The ideal candidate is a qualified accountant with strong analytical skills and experience in a dynamic matrix environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonus potential

Car Allowance

Employee Energy Allowance

Pension scheme

Electric car lease scheme

25 days holiday allowance plus public holidays

Excellent range of flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with experience in financial analysis and reporting.
• Proficient in O365, particularly Excel and Power BI.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Monitor Group Functions' performance against the Annual Plan.
• Prepare timely and accurate financial reports.
• Lead standardised reporting processes and enhance efficiency.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

Qualified accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

O365 (Excel and PowerPoint)

Power Query

Power BI

SAP or other ERP systems

Job description

Join us, be part of more.

We’re so much more than an energy company. We’re a family of brands revolutionising how we power the planet. We're energisers. One team of 21,000 colleagues that's energising a greener, fairer future by creating an energy system that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels, whilst living our powerful commitment to igniting positive change in our communities. Here, you can find more purpose, more passion, and more potential. That’s why working here is #MoreThanACareer. We do energy differently - we do it all. We make it, store it, move it, sell it, and mend it.

Our purpose is energising a greener, fairer future and our Finance vision is to be anefficient and impactful team, where highly skilled and energised professionals help Centrica deliver its purpose. Underpinning our vision are three key themes: Energised Team, Brilliant Basics and More Impact.

The Group Functions Finance team support the functional areas of Technology, Customer, People, Legal, Regulatory, Ethics & Compliance (LRECS), Property, Procurement, Health, Safety & Environment (HSE), Group Business Services (GBS) and the corporate functions of Executive Office and Group Strategy, totalling more than 3,500 FTE and a total operating cost base of c.£1bn and c.£100m capex.

The role of the Finance Manager – Group Functions focuses on providing support to the Group Functions CFO and the Finance Partners in all aspects of Group Functions business performance analysis, planning and forecasting. They will develop streamlined, efficient processes for the preparation of robust financial reporting and analysis, planning and forecasting, underpinned by standardised data and the utilisation of automation tools.

Whilst the role will have specific accountabilities it will also provide support to both the Centrica 2030 programme and the wider team as demand requires. This means the role gives a broad exposure to all of the Group Functions activity and a good understanding of the Group.

Location - Windsor, with flexible home working

Key Accountabilities in the Role

Reporting

• Performance Monitoring & Variance Analysis - Regularly assess Group Functions' performance against the Annual Plan and forecasts, collaborating with Finance Partners to analyse variances.
• Insightful Financial Analysis - Deliver robust insights and trend analysis to support the finance team and drive improvements in financial performance.
• Timely & Accurate Reporting - Prepare and deliver accurate, timely financial reports and dashboards, ensuring clarity in communicating business performance.
• Month-End Deliverables - Own the delivery of all month-end group reporting requirements.
• Standardised Reporting Processes - Lead the production of standard finance deliverables, ensuring consistency in format, timing, and messaging.
• Risk Identification & Control - Act as a first line of defence in the identification and management of risks.
• Bespoke Reporting for Decision Support - Create tailored reports to support strategic business decisions with relevant financial insights.

Planning & Forecasting

• Lead budgeting and forecasting cycles(Annual Plan, GFF, Latest View) for Group Functions, ensuring alignment with Group timelines.
• Coordinate internal planning schedules, aligning the Finance team with Group deadlines and expectations.
• Support Finance Managerswith BPC data loads, reviewing and challenging P&L phasing, cash flow, and balance sheet entries.
• Consolidate financial plans and forecasts, completing Group submission templates with clear causal explanations.

Process improvements

• Drive continuous improvement of FP&A processes using Centrica’s tools and latest technologies.
• Lead on standardising and automating reporting and planning activities to enhance efficiency and consistency.
• Support transformation initiatives by implementing new tools and methodologies.
• Maintain and develop analytics for P&L and cash flow to stream-line reporting and enable effective review and challenge.

Cross functional collaboration

• Operate effectively in a matrix structure, acting as the key liaison between Group BPM, business units and Group Functions to ensure alignment.
• Develop strong relationships across Finance including Group, business units and Group Functions to promote consistency, accuracy and collaborative problem solving.

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience.
• Experience working in amatrixed, fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
• Proficient in O365 (advanced Excel and PowerPoint); familiarity with Power Query and Power BI.
• Experience of using SAP or other ERP systems.
• Problem Solving & Results Orientation: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on achieving tangible results and overcoming obstacles with a high level of integrity and professionalism.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: Capable of building strong, collaborative relationships with a diverse range of colleagues.
• Operates with a growth mindset: Takes an enterprise-wide approach and is collaborative and adaptable with a passion for driving continuous improvement.
• Attention to Detail and Execution: Extremely thorough, with a focus on ensuring tasks are completed with precision and excellence.
• Eagerness to learn and contribute in a collaborative team environment.

We have tailored our well-being & benefits package around our employees as follows:

• Competitive salary and bonus potential
• Car Allowance
• Employee Energy Allowance
• Pension scheme
• Electric car lease scheme
• 25 days holiday allowance, public holidays, and the option to buy up to 5 additional days
• Excellent range of flexible benefits, including technology vouchers & travel insurance

Why should you apply?

We’re not a perfect place – but we’re a people place. Our priority is supporting all of the different realities our people face. Life is about so much more than work. We get it. That’s why we’ve designed our total rewards to give you the flexibility to choose what you need, when you need it, making sure that you and your family are supported not only financially, but physically and emotionally too. Visit the link below to discover why we’re a great place to work and what being part of more means for you.

https://www.morethanacareer.energy/centrica

If you're full of energy, fired up about sustainability, and ready to craft not only a better tomorrow, but a better you, then come and find your purpose in a team where your voice matters, your growth is non-negotiable, and your ambitions are our priority.

Help us, help you. We would love for you to share any information about yourself throughout our recruitment process so that we can better understand you and help shape your journey.