Senior Finance Business Partner in London

Department: Accounts

Company: Canary Wharf Limited

Reporting to: Associate Director - Commercial Finance

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.

Salary £80-85K DOE 4 days office / 1 WFH

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.

HEALTH SAFETY AND WELFARE RESPONSIBILITIES

All staff are required to fulfil their legal duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts and omissions, and to follow all guidance and instructions given in this respect.

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE (ESG) RESPONSIBILITIES

Recognising the centrality of ESG principles within our organisation, we have developed a comprehensive ESG Strategy. It is imperative that all staff members understand and adopt this strategy into their respective roles. This includes adhering to environmental regulations, minimising waste, supporting nature within our urban environment, and facilitating positive change for those in need within our community and utilising our volunteering.

QUALITY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

In line with the latest ISO 9001 requirements and our dedication to quality management, all staff are mandated to comply with system requirements as detailed within the Company Quality Manual & Policies. Additionally, it's vital to ensure the effective implementation of all Procedures, Plans, and Forms within our Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS) to meet the ISO 9001: Quality Management Standard.

COMPANY VALUES

• Commit to Excellence: Act with integrity and deliver high performance. Put our customers at the heart of what we do. Resolve issues by providing high quality solutions.
• Foster Collaboration: Find opportunities to collaborate with others across the business to achieve shared goals. Encourage inclusive networks and treat others with respect and fairness. Use knowledge to work effectively with suppliers / contractors to meet shared goals.
• Encourage Engagement: Confident in making decisions appropriate to the role. Learn from mistakes and listen to constructive feedback to improve performance. Prioritise safety and actively support community, wellbeing and sustainability programmes.
• Take Ownership: Take pride in delivering high quality service which exceeds expectations. Committed to opportunities for self-development. Take responsibility for my own performance and look for ways to improve.
• Embrace Innovation: Embrace change and innovation. Proactively suggest ways to improve our business and encourage others to share ideas. See new challenges as opportunities to deliver effective change.

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

If you are interested in joining our highly professional and skilled team for our next exciting phase of development, please complete the form on this page to apply online. Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to appoint at any point.