EPP 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, optimise 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.

Who we're looking for

The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant, holding an ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualification, with significant post-qualification experience. They will have strong technical, financial and management accounting knowledge, ideally gained within a manufacturing, engineering or project-based environment.

They will have proven experience of project accounting and project financial management, including monitoring margins, analysing variances and supporting commercial decision-making. They will be confident preparing budgets, forecasts and management information, with advanced Excel skills and experience of developing financial models for business analysis.

The candidate will be a proactive and commercially minded finance professional who can translate complex financial information into clear, practical recommendations. They will demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving and attention-to-detail skills, alongside the ability to challenge constructively and influence stakeholders at all levels.

They will be an effective communicator who can build positive relationships across departments and engage confidently with senior leaders, auditors, customers, suppliers and external advisors. They will be organised, adaptable and able to manage competing priorities across multiple businesses in a fast-paced environment.

The successful candidate will also have experience of leading, coaching or developing junior colleagues. They will demonstrate a collaborative leadership style and actively promote British Engines’ values of Stronger Together, Never Settle, It’s More Than a Job and Determined to Do Right.

Benefits

Wellbeing app (Employee Assistance Program)

Holiday buy & sell

Car scheme

Competitive pay

Enhanced pension

Training & development