Engagement Business Partner - Senior Associate - CBS, Finance - Permanent - Newcastle

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 escalate 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. In addition, you will benefit from:

• 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.