Finance Business Partner - 6-9 Month FTC - Edinburgh

W&A is partnering with a leading organisation based in Edinburgh (hybrid) to help source a Finance Business Partner for a 6-9 month fixed-term contract.

Role Purpose:

To act as a key finance business partner supporting functional cost owners by providing insightful financial analysis and guidance on cost-based performance, while also taking ownership of timely, accurate, and meaningful management reporting. This role ensures effective cost control, supports strategic decision-making, and drives continuous improvement in financial processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Finance Business Partnering (Cost-Based Focus):

• Partner with department heads to provide financial insights and challenge on cost drivers, risks, and opportunities.
• Lead the budgeting and forecasting cycles for operating expenses, ensuring alignment with business strategy and financial targets.
• Track and analyse monthly cost performance against budget/forecast, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions.

Management Reporting:

•  Prepare monthly and quarterly management reports for senior leadership that include clear narratives on cost performance, KPIs, and variance analysis.
• Consolidate and communicate financial results across functions with clear visualisation for decision-making.
• Drive improvements in reporting processes, ensuring automation, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Support the development and maintenance of financial models and reporting tools.

Key Skills & Experience:

• Qualified accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with post-qualification experience.
• Strong background in business partnering and management reporting within a large organisation.
• Solid understanding of cost accounting and financial planning processes.
• Advanced Excel.
• Excellent analytical skills and commercial acumen.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to challenge and influence.
• Experience working in a matrix environment or across multiple departments.