Senior Finance Business Partner in London

• Department: Accounts
• Company: Canary Wharf Limited
• Reporting to: Associate Director - Commercial Finance
• Salary £80-85K DOE
• 4 days office / 1 WFH
• JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Senior Finance Business Partner to lead the budgeting, forecasting and financial planning of payroll (and associated people costs) across a complex group structure.

This is a highly visible role, partnering with the Executive Team, Managing Directors and departmental Directors across the business to provide robust financial insight, challenge assumptions and support strategic decision‑making.

The successful candidate will take ownership of payroll and other people costs forecasting and complex cost allocations across multiple business units, ensuring financial accuracy while influencing senior stakeholders.

This role requires someone who is confident operating at executive level, highly analytical and able to manage sensitive and confidential information with absolute discretion.

• MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
• Own the budgeting and forecasting (including multi‑year business plan) of all people‑related expenditure, including payroll, long‑term incentive plan, training, people and development, employee benefits and other associated people costs.
• Produce accurate quarterly forecasts, identifying risks, opportunities and key financial drivers.
• Manage and continually improve complex payroll cost allocation methodologies across multiple entities, departments and cost centres.
• Partner with the Executive Team, Managing Directors and departmental Directors to challenge assumptions, influence decision‑making and provide commercially focused financial advice.
• Analyse variances and provide clear commentary on financial performance against budget and forecast each quarter.
• Work closely with People and Development, Payroll and Operational teams to ensure headcount movements, restructures, pay reviews and organisational changes are accurately reflected in business plan and forecast.
• Liaise with the Financial Accounts team to post any adjustments in Yardi including but not limited to PO accruals, recharges, segment and nominal code changes.
• Identify opportunities to improve forecasting accuracy, reporting processes and financial controls.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy and confidentiality of payroll and employee‑related financial data.
• Prepare high‑quality reports and presentations for senior leadership and executive meetings as well as quarterly board reports.
• Undertake other strategic finance, workforce or business transformation projects as required, acting as the finance lead to ensure robust financial governance, insightful analysis and successful delivery of business objectives.
• Support the G&A Finance Business Partner team, including providing cover and assistance as required, ensuring continuity of financial planning, reporting and business partnering activities.
• Drive continuous improvement through automation and process enhancement.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Qualified accountant (or equivalent experience) with several years experience.
• Experience in a business partnering role within a complex, multi‑site or multi‑entity organisation is advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail ensuring figures/analysis produced are correct, underlying workbooks are neat and easy to follow, and analysis is written in clear, very concise manner.
• Very organised with exceptional time management skills. Able to work under pressure, prioritising and meet competing deadlines.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence and challenge Executive, MD and Director‑level stakeholders (both finance and non‑finance).
• Proven experience managing payroll, headcount and wider people‑related budgets, including training and professional development.
• Experience managing complex cost allocation models.
• Ability to handle highly confidential payroll and employee information with professionalism and discretion.
• Self‑motivated, proactive and able to work independently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including use of Pivot tables.
• Experience of Yardi and/or Anaplan is desirable but not essential.

WHAT WE OFFER

Diversity and Inclusion

We recognise the importance of embracing diverse experience, skills and perspectives at all levels and operating in an inclusive working environment, in order for everyone to reach their full potential.

We also recognise that it makes business sense, since being an inclusive employer leads to better business performance and higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction.

We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skills and are committed to fostering a culture whereby everyone can reach their full potential.

Flexible Working

As an inclusive employer, we recognise the positive impact flexible working can have on an individual, their wellbeing, engagement and productivity.

Therefore, we are open to consider flexible working arrangements, both temporary or permanent.

Learning and Development

At Canary Wharf Group, our employees receive a wide range of support to help improve their skills and achieve their career goals.

We offer development opportunities through classroom and e‑learning training, mentoring, cross department experience and on the job learning.

We heavily invest in our staff attaining accreditations to develop existing and new skills, support chartered status, sponsorships and provide further educational opportunities which are job and business related.

We never stand still and continually invest in developing skills and knowledge to ensure individual and company growth.

Other Benefits

We are committed to building a safe, happy and healthy community for our employees and we offer a comprehensive range of benefits, all designed with our employees and their wellbeing in mind.

From generous pension and insurance plans, to health benefits, subsidised gym membership, store discounts and family leave, our benefits package allows our employees to choose the benefits that suit them and their individual needs.

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