Engagement Business Partner (Finance) - Senior Associate - Newcastle or Belfast

The Engagement Business Partner (EBP) is a finance professional with comprehensive knowledge of systems, processes, and policies. In this internal role, the EBP acts as the Finance single point of contact, collaborating closely with client-serving engagement teams to enable the successful delivery of engagements across the full engagement lifecycle, from opportunity creation to final record archiving. Please note: this is not a technical accounting role.

As an Engagement Business Partner, you will play a pivotal role in supporting client-serving teams by ensuring the accurate and timely execution of all engagement lifecycle activities. The main components of this role are:

• Serving as the Finance single point of contact for Engagement Partners and Managers, offering guidance and overseeing all aspects of the Opportunity Engagement Lifecycle (OEL).
• Overseeing the completion of OEL tasks by delegating to Centres of Excellence (CoEs), and monitoring progress to ensure timely delivery.
• Proactively managing financial and quality related risks across your engagement portfolio, intervening where needed to provide strategic advice to uplift the compliance and revenue stability of your portfolio.
• Ensure compliance with service line specific policies and parameters.
• Supporting the annual external audit process.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Manage a portfolio of client opportunities and engagements as the Finance single contact point for assigned Engagement Partners and Managers.
• Coordinate with client servers and CoEs to apply knowledge of service line specific OEL policies and guidelines to ensure compliance across the OEL lifecycle.
• Monitor and advise on risk assessment and compliance processes.
• Advise on pricing models and engagement budgets.
• Assess financial implications of engagement structures and budgets.
• Support and challenge the Estimate-to-Complete (ETC) processes and related financial updates.
• Support the portfolio’s working capital activity.
• Provide challenge and best practice insights to client servers where required such as through optimal margin, pricing plans or engagement structures.
• Upskill and share knowledge with client servers on OEL best practice, standards and tools.
• Develop a diverse network of relationships across Finance and non-Finance stakeholders to provide holistic Finance support for Engagement Partners and elevate queries beyond remit to other functional experts within Finance (e.g. PFAs).
• Review work performed by CoEs for accuracy and take ownership of OEL tasks when urgent needs arise.
• Seek to understand client-server needs, demands, and the nuances of the specific Service Line to deepen insights and strategic thinking.
• Share best practices across the EBP group to drive consistency and excellence.
• Engage with CoE Managers to flag issues, trends or knowledge required for CoE upskilling.
• Provide subject matter expertise in delivering training on OEL best practices for CoEs.
• Support continuous improvement through identifying opportunities for innovation and automation.

Skills and attributes for success:

• Deliver with pace ensuring activities are executed accurately in a fast-moving environment.
• Ability to engage proactively with Engagement Partners to anticipate upcoming needs and ensure OEL requirements are met on time.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a good understanding of the client server perspective and ability to build relationships with them.
• Confident communicator who can challenge constructively and influence outcomes.
• Excellent analytical and commercial acumen, with high attention to detail.
• Take ownership of monthly activities, driving progress and proactively managing business outcomes to meet deadlines and performance targets.
• Quick learner with a proactive approach and eager to share knowledge with others.
• Ability to translate complex technical system language into business-relevant terms.
• Skilled listener with sound judgment and the ability to elevate appropriately.

To qualify for the role, you must have:

• Experience in a client-facing or finance-related role within a professional services or corporate environment.
• Experience managing stakeholders and delivering high-impact client service.
• Experience working in hybrid and fast-paced environments.
• Used to working in a fast-paced environment with a strong work ethic.
• Ability to build relationships with people at all levels within the firm.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
• Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced environments.

What we look for:

• Highly motivated, good communicators who can establish credibility with client servers and convey financial impacts in business language back to client servers.
• You will also need to be a team player who is not only looking to enhance their own career but recognises the value in strengthening the team.

What we offer:

• We offer a competitive remuneration package where you’ll be rewarded for your individual and team performance.
• Our comprehensive Total Rewards package includes support for flexible working and career development, and with MyReward you can select benefits that suit your needs, including holidays, health and well-being, insurance, savings and a wide range of discounts, offers and promotions.
• Continuous learning: You’ll have access to EY’s world-class learning offerings, on-the-job coaching, and structured development programmes designed to deepen your expertise, broaden your perspective, and help you grow into the next stage of your career.
• Success as defined by you: Define what success looks like for you, and we’ll provide the tools and flexibility to help you achieve it.
• Transformative leadership: Gain the insights, coaching, and confidence to lead with purpose and impact.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.