Commercial Finance Business Partner - Construction

My client is a Tier 1 main contractor that works in the Water & Civils sectors and they are currently looking to recruit a Commercial Finance Business Partner for their offices in West Midlands.  

The Commercial Finance Business Partner will bring with them a wealth of knowledge, adding value to the business from day one and continuing to do so on an ongoing basis. They will focus on current and historical performance, as well as looking forward; using relevant financial analysis to facilitate change by working closely with, or providing a service to the company. In addition to this, they will be responsible for overseeing the production of monthly management accounts, annual budgets and reconciliations and the maintenance of finance controls and procedures consistent with those of the company.  

Key Responsibilities:  

Finance:  

• Prepare monthly management accounts including analysis and explanation of variances to budget/forecast  

• Cash flow forecasting  

• VAT and statutory returns  

• Balance sheet reconciliations  

• Create and analyse ad-hoc financial reports.  

• Oversee the management of accruals and prepayments.  

• Prepare budgets, working with the Management Team and Director.  

• Prepare capex proposals and secure, where applicable, associated asset finance  

• Maintain the fixed asset register  

• Business modelling to support strategic and day-to day decision making  

• Responsible for achieving financial targets and commercial goals.  

• Identify and mitigate financial and commercial risks  

• Provide analysis and explanation of variances to budget.  

• Manage and oversee a small Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable team  

• Support Group Finance team with year-end audit including provision of lead schedules and analysis as required. Efficiently and accurately respond to queries from audit and tax teams and support Group FC in drafting of statutory accounts.  

Commercial:  

• Oversee the monthly business reviews, working with the Senior Management Team to support the development and growth of each business stream.  

• Challenge the senior business team managers to ensure performance is reported accurately.  

• Discuss and resolve queries highlighted, unusual cost trends and forecasts.  

• Oversee the costing for the business and review with stakeholders.  

• Carry out assessments of market data, providing analysis to identify areas where efforts can be focused to increase profitability.  

• Evaluate and develop pricing proposals  

• Analyse past and current sales data on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis and find areas of improvement  

• Produce data on customer trends and demographics to help with marketing and sales including, modelling current customer trends in acquisition and attrition.  

• Provide effective commercial procedures, or initiate change, to ensure key operational, commercial, and financial targets are delivered.  

System, Process & Quality:  

• Develop commercial process to create efficiencies and drive continuous improvement with the Management Team in analysis of monthly information.  

• Focus on systems improvement and keep pushing to add to existing systems.  

• Adopt and improve current business working processes  

Key measures & targets:  

• Relevant, timely and accurate management and statutory reporting, forecasting and budgeting.  

• Financial reconciliations and controls maintained up to date  

• Business contribution

The successful candidate is likely to meet all of the following criteria:  

Essential  

• ACA/ACCA/CIMA Qualified or QBE, with 3-5 years experience in a Commercial Finance Analyst or similar role  

• A high level of commercial and business acumen  

• Experienced in use of MS Office, including Word, PowerPoint and advanced Excel skills including complex modelling and analysis  

• Strong verbal and written communication skills  

• Ability to produce accurate, relevant information in a timely manner  

• Proactive in problem solving  

• High degree of numeracy  

• Financial management skills  

• Strong relationship building skills  

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team  

• Ability to work under pressure and establish priorities  

Desirable  

• Strong presentation and interpersonal skills  

• Relevant experience in construction industry including plant hire, sale of consumables, light industrial manufacturing and fabrications.