Sowena Group
Finance Business Partner
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Job Title: Finance Business Partner - US
Location: Greater Manchester
Reporting to: Commercial Finance Director
Salary: £70,000-£80,000 + Bonus
Direct Reports: 1
About the Company
Our client is a private equity-backed, international organisation, supplying high-quality products to customers across global markets. Operating in a dynamic, fast-paced commercial environment, the business has established a strong reputation. With significant investment supporting the continued expansion of its US operations.
With a multi-entity structure and an extensive international distribution network, the organisation serves a diverse customer base across a range of industries. Combining local market expertise with the scale and resources of a global business, it is well positioned for continued growth.
The Role
Reporting to the Commercial Finance Director, you will work closely with senior leadership, operational teams and Group Finance to deliver insightful financial analysis, robust reporting, effective business partnering and strong financial governance. The role also includes leadership responsibility and offers exposure to significant business investment and operational development projects.
Key Responsibilities
Business Partnering & Commercial Support
- Act as a trusted finance partner to the US leadership team, providing commercial insight and financial support to drive business performance.
- Develop a strong understanding of key profitability, cash generation and operational performance drivers.
- Partner with Sales, Operations and Supply Chain teams to identify risks, opportunities and improvement initiatives.
- Deliver meaningful financial analysis to support strategic and operational decision-making.
Management Accounts & Reporting
- Prepare and deliver monthly management accounts, including Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow reporting.
- Develop a thorough understanding of monthly performance drivers through active business partnering with the wider US team.
- Identify margin risks and opportunities through regular engagement with the Sales team.
- Identify overhead cost risks and opportunities through regular engagement with the Operations team.
- Ensure the accuracy, integrity and relevance of all management information and group reporting submissions.
- Present financial performance and key business trends to senior stakeholders.
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Financial Accounting & Control
- Ensure the US entity complies with Group Accounting Policies.
- Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring all balances are supported and understood.
- Conduct monthly balance sheet reviews, highlighting risks, opportunities and actions.
- Maintain strong control over intercompany balances, ensuring recoverability and understanding cash flow impacts.
- Act as the primary finance contact for external auditors and coordinate audit requirements to ensure statutory accounts are completed within agreed deadlines.
- Ensure robust financial controls and governance are maintained across the entity.
Working Capital & Cash Management
- Own the 13-week cash flow forecasting process for the US entity.
- Identify and communicate cash flow risks and opportunities to the wider finance team.
- Manage cash forecasting and reporting requirements for submission to Group Finance.
- Support the effective utilisation of supply chain finance facilities.
- Monitor and report on debtor performance, stock levels and overall working capital.
- Produce accurate working capital analysis, including aged debt and inventory reporting.
Budgeting & Forecasting
- Support the annual budgeting process and ensure alignment with business objectives.
- Work closely with operational teams to develop robust financial plans.
- Prepare quarterly reforecasts reflecting changes in sales, costs, overheads and working capital.
- Analyse budget and forecast variances and recommend appropriate actions.
- Support long-term financial planning and business growth initiatives.
Inventory Management
- Play a key role in the planning, implementation and review of quarterly stock counts across US inventory locations.
- Ensure stock valuation and reporting are accurate and comply with Group accounting policies.
- Work with the US operational teams to maintain an appropriate stock profile.
- Monitor and report on stock age, supplier lead times, inventory turnover and tariff impacts.
- Challenge excess, obsolete or slow-moving stock and support actions to optimise inventory levels.
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Cost & Tariff Management
- Ensure tariffs and associated costs are accurately accounted for within financial reporting.
- Monitor the financial impact of tariffs and provide analysis to management.
- Support the recovery of tariff-related charges and duty claims where appropriate.
- Maintain robust controls over tariff accounting and compliance.
Strategic Projects
- Provide financial support and analysis for significant capital investment and operational development projects.
- Support capital expenditure planning, monitoring and reporting throughout project lifecycles.
- Ensure project costs are accurately recorded and controlled.
- Assist with the implementation of new financial and operational processes within Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
- Support the development of manufacturing reporting and performance monitoring.
About You
- Qualified Accountant (CIMA, ACCA or ACA).
- Strong business partnering and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience in budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management.
- Strong financial controls and balance sheet reconciliation experience.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet tight reporting deadlines.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable
- Experience within distribution, supply chain or a similar environment.
- Experience working within an international or multi-entity organisation.
- Experience using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
- Experience using Power BI.
- Experience supporting manufacturing operations, operational transformation or capital investment projects.
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