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

The Engagement Business Partner (EBP) is a finance professional who partners with client‑serving engagement teams to enable the delivery of engagements across the full lifecycle, from opportunity creation to final record archiving. This is an internal role and is not a technical accounting position.

As an EBP 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 include:

• 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 when necessary to provide strategic advice and uplift compliance and revenue stability.
• Ensuring compliance with service line specific policies and parameters.
• Supporting the annual external audit process.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of client opportunities and engagements as the finance single point of contact for assigned Engagement Partners and Managers.
• Coordinate with client servers and CoEs to:
• Apply 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 to escalade queries beyond remit to other functional experts within Finance.
• 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.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a good understanding of the client‑server perspective and ability to build relationships.
• 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 managing business outcomes to meet deadlines and performance targets.
• Quick learner with a proactive approach and eagerness to share knowledge with others.
• Translate complex technical system language into business‑relevant terms.
• Skilled listener with sound judgment and ability to escalade appropriately.

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.
• Experience working in hybrid and fast‑paced environments.
• Strong work ethic and adaptability in fast‑paced settings.
• 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 establish credibility with client servers and convey financial impacts in business language.
• A team player who seeks to enhance their own career while strengthening the team.

What We Offer

• Competitive remuneration package rewarded for individual and team performance.
• Comprehensive Total Rewards package including flexible working, career development and a wide range of benefits such as holidays, health and well‑being, insurance, savings and discounts.
• Continuous learning with access to EY’s learning offerings, on‑the‑job coaching and structured development programmes.
• Opportunities to define success and access the tools and flexibility to achieve it.
• Transformative leadership development with coaching and confidence to lead.
• Diverse and inclusive culture embracing who you are and empowering your voice.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer committed to EEO and affirmative action. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.