Engagement Business Partner (Finance) - Supervising 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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Finance single point of contact for Engagement Partners and Managers, offering guidance and overseeing all aspects of the Opportunity Engagement Lifecycle (OEL).
• Oversee the completion of OEL tasks by delegating to Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and monitoring progress to ensure timely delivery.
• Proactively manage financial and quality related risks across your engagement portfolio, intervening where needed to provide strategic advice to uplift compliance and revenue stability.
• Ensure compliance with service line specific policies and parameters.
• Support the annual external audit process.
• Manage a portfolio of client opportunities and engagements, acting as the Finance single point of contact for the Engagement Partners with complex portfolios.
• Manage the professional development, coaching and upskilling of other EBPs in the team.
• Oversee team resourcing, proactively tracking joiners, leavers, and movers, and ensuring coverage of Partner portfolios during periods of leave or absence.
• 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 on 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.
• Engage proactively with Engagement Partners to anticipate upcoming needs and ensure OEL requirements are met on time.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and a good understanding of the client‑server perspective.
• Communicate confidently, challenge constructively and influence outcomes.
• Exhibit 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.
• Be a quick learner with a proactive approach and an eagerness to share knowledge.
• Translate complex technical system language into business‑relevant terms.
• Listen skillfully, exercise sound judgment and escalate appropriately.
• Lead others and support team development.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Ability to lead others in hybrid and fast‑paced environments.
• 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.
• You will be a team player who seeks to enhance your own career while recognising the value in strengthening the team.

What We Offer

• Continuous learning: access to EY’s world‑class learning offerings, on‑the‑job coaching, and structured development programmes.
• Success as defined by you: tools and flexibility to help you achieve your definition of success.
• Transformative leadership: insights, coaching, and confidence to lead with purpose and impact.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: empowered to use your voice and help others find theirs.

Please Note: Prior to finalising your application, you will be asked to provide personal information across several dimensions of diversity and inclusiveness. The information you provide is kept entirely confidential and will not be used to evaluate your candidacy. We collect this data to help us analyse our recruitment process holistically and implement actions that promote diversity and inclusiveness.