Finance Business Partner

Department: Business Support

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Newmarket

Description

About Us

This role sits within one of the specialist businesses that form part of Celnor Group, a collective of companies providing environmental, testing, inspection, compliance, and risk management services across the UK. Together, we are committed to protecting people, places, and the planet through practical, science-led solutions and operational excellence.

About The Role

We are seeking a hands-on, experienced, and strategic Finance Business Partner / Management Accountant to join our finance team. You will be responsible for managing the day-to-day finance function, delivering insightful financial analysis and guidance, and leading a small team. Operating in a multi-company, international, and multi-currency environment, you will ensure accurate reporting in line with group requirements, while maintaining operational, statutory, and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and present detailed management accounts with variance analysis to support business decision-making.
• Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial close processes to ensure accurate, timely reporting.
• Develop and maintain robust financial models to support strategic forecasting and planning.
• Attend and contribute to monthly financial review meetings.
• Oversee preparation of year-end accounts and audit submissions, ensuring full regulatory compliance.
• Act as a strategic partner to department heads, providing analysis to drive informed decisions and improve performance.
• Collaborate with the Celnor Group Finance Business Partner and wider finance teams to ensure group-wide alignment.
• Work closely with operational teams to understand their financial needs, supporting operational efficiency.
• Lead the annual budget process, working cross-functionally to produce accurate and challenging plans.
• Deliver regular forecasts and financial projections aligned with strategic business goals.
• Monitor actual performance against budgets/forecasts and recommend corrective actions as needed.
• Support R&D tax credit submissions and overviews.
• Lead cashflow reporting and forecasting.
• Ensure robust and accurate WIP calculations through review and challenge.
• Maintain accuracy in financial records, ensuring proper recording and filing of all transactions.
• Manage quarterly VAT returns for all UK entities.
• Complete UKIMS and TSS (Northern Ireland) export reporting requirements.
• Provide daily/weekly/monthly reporting of AMA metrics including debtors, cash, and profitability.
• Support M&A activities including financial due diligence, integration, and post-acquisition reporting.
• Lead or contribute to finance improvement projects, enhancing systems, controls, and reporting accuracy.
• Manage monthly payroll processing across group entities.
• Administer pension contributions and related reporting.
• Complete journals and statutory submissions including P11D and PSA.
• Ensure financial policies, procedures, and controls are followed to maintain a strong control environment.
• Oversee operational finance inputs, including expense claims and invoice processing.
• Work with the Systems Accountant to identify and implement process improvements.
• Provide financial advice to management and support internal stakeholders with business queries.
• Guide and develop junior team members, promoting collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Build strong relationships between finance and operational teams
  
  

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience as a Finance Business Partner or Management Accountant.
• Experience using Sage 200, SICON WAP (approvals), and Xero.
• Knowledge of CIS processes and VAT reporting.
• Strong Excel skills including modelling and data analysis.
• Experience in payroll, expenses, and benefits administration.
  
  

Desirable

• Background in a private equity-backed business.
• Exposure to international and multi-entity financial environments.
• Experience supporting M&A financial integration.
  
  

Key Attributes

• Strong analytical and financial modelling skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Proactive and strategic thinker, able to align financial goals with business priorities.
• Effective multitasker in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Collaborative team player with strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Open to adopting new technologies and evolving industry best practice.