Senior Finance Business Partner

Senior Finance Business Partner – Essex – 6 Month Contract (40 hours per week) – TBC Rate Inside IR35 – SC or Willing to Undergo Our client is a leading name in the defence and aerospace sector, recognised for driving technological innovation and excellence. They are deeply committed to developing their people, fostering collaboration, and nurturing professional growth. Joining this organisation means contributing to national security while developing your career in a culture that values integrity, teamwork, and innovation. Essential * Capex * SAP * CIMA/ACCA/ACA part qualified or equivalent Working Patterns and location – Hybrid 50% onsite The Key Responsibilities * Build and maintain strategic business partnering relationships with senior leaders and complex operational functions. * Lead headcount, utilisation, and overhead forecasting and reporting to support Integrated Business Planning (IBP), Long-Range Planning (LRP), Annual Operating Plans (AOP), and monthly cycles. * Drive transformation and standardisation of forecasting and reporting processes across the business. * Own functional financial plans and forecasts, focusing on performance improvement, cost optimisation, and delivery against targets. * Prepare for and support monthly Senior Leadership Team (SLT) Rate Review Boards. * Strengthen collaboration between business functions, embedding tactical workload forecasting into planning cycles. * Develop functional dashboards, KPIs, SLAs, and service catalogues to drive performance and efficiency. * Support manufacturing planning by connecting sales, production, and operations data to enhance business performance. * Implement zero-based budgeting and strong financial governance practices. * Contribute to risk and opportunity registers related to rates and investments. * Support restructuring and cost optimisation initiatives. * Contribute to the rollout of new finance systems and processes. * Provide financial oversight of capital expenditure (Capex) projects, ensuring accurate forecasting, robust business cases, and effective tracking of spend versus plan. * Work closely with project and operational teams to maximise return on investment and ensure strong governance across all Capex and change initiatives. Below is a list of Key Skills required for a Senior Finance Business Partner, however you will not be expected to have everything: * Degree or equivalent qualification. * Experience working within a capex environment * CIMA, ACCA, ACA (or equivalent) part-qualified. * Extensive experience in finance roles, ideally in large, complex organisations. * Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. * Excellent presentation abilities with a talent for distilling complex data into clear insights for senior audiences. * Proven ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure in collaboration with senior stakeholders. * Highly organised, adaptable, and proactive approach. * Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a natural curiosity for understanding business drivers. * Proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office. * Knowledge of programme accounting, long-term contracts, and project reporting (EACs, EVMS). * Confident negotiator and influencer with innovative, value-driven thinking. * Experience working in matrix environments is desirable Our client is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Part-time opportunities/flexible working is available to suit individual needs. Please note that the client has determined that the off-payroll working rules will apply to this assignment and therefore this contract will be run through an Umbrella Company. Income tax and primary national insurance contributions will be deducted at source from any payments made to the intermediary. RECOMMEND A FRIEND: If you have professional friends/colleagues who would be interested in one of our roles and our excellent levels of service too, we\’d like to recognise your recommendations with a \’thank you\’ of our own. For every friend you refer who then starts a role through Datasource either Contract or Permanent, we will send you £200 of Love to Shop Gift Vouchers & gift your friend £100 in Love to Shop Gift Vouchers as well! You will be required to hold a minimum of SC clearance. If you do not hold an active SC clearance, please familiarise yourself with the vetting process before applying. (c) Copyright Datasource Computer Employment Limited 2025