Finance Business Partner

As a Finance Business Partner, the postholder will play a key strategic and operational role within the EPP Division, supporting BEL Valves, BEL Engineering, and Tyne Pressure Testing. Reporting to the Divisional Finance Director, they will provide accurate, timely, and commercially focused financial insight to support effective decision-making across the businesses.

Working within a manufacturing and project-based environment, the role will be responsible for management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, project margin control, and financial analysis. The postholder will partner closely with Managing Directors, operational leaders, and the wider finance team to improve profitability, optimize cash flow, strengthen financial controls, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. They will also lead and develop two Finance Assistants, promoting collaboration, accountability, and high professional standards.

What you'll be doing

• Coordinate the preparation of monthly management accounts, forecasts, and budgets in line with Group reporting requirements and deadlines.
• Ensure management accounts comply with UK GAAP, Group accounting policies, and relevant statutory requirements.
• Take accountability for P&L and balance sheet reconciliations, reviewing work completed by junior team members and investigating unusual variances.
• Manage project margin information within IFS, ensuring data integrity and alignment with accounting standards and Group policies.
• Monitor project performance, communicate margin variances, and recommend corrective actions to improve profitability and cash flow.
• Lead Project Review meetings with key stakeholders, ensuring a clear understanding of project financial status and future outlook.
• Prepare business budgets in collaboration with business leaders and present proposals to key stakeholders for approval.
• Analyse and communicate movements against budget and previous forecasts, including trends in orders, sales, profit, and cash.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, controls, cost management, cash collection, and overall business performance.
• Provide proactive financial advice, analysis, and recommendations to Managing Directors, operational leaders, and commercial stakeholders.
• Support cross-functional initiatives focused on cost reduction, revenue enhancement, and process improvement.
• Oversee year-end activities, including stock counts and the accurate valuation of inventory.
• Own monthly Group reporting requirements, including the timely and accurate submission of UK VAT reports.
• Support external audits and tax reviews by preparing disclosure packs and tax analysis information.
• Build strong relationships with Group Finance, auditors, tax advisors, customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Present financial information clearly and confidently to senior leaders and Board-level audiences where required.
• Lead, coach, and develop two Finance Assistants, supporting their objectives, performance, and professional development.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and psychological safety.
• Ensure compliance with British Engines’ Health, Safety, and Environmental policies and actively support sustainability initiatives.