At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and analysis for key direct cost areas in publishing.
- Company: Join Taylor & Francis, a leading academic publisher with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, work-life balance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams to drive innovation and efficiency.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of knowledge and research.
- Qualifications: Professional accounting qualification and progressive finance experience required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
Informa is a leading academic publishing, business intelligence, knowledge, and events business, creating unique content and connectivity for customers all over the world. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100. Taylor & Francis is one of the world’s largest publishers of high-quality, peer reviewed scholarly journals, books, e-books and reference works. We empower learners, thinkers and doers with trusted knowledge that advances research and enriches lives.
The Senior Finance Business Partner – Direct Costs is a strategic finance role supporting Taylor & Francis's key direct cost lines including editorial operations, marketing activities, and production/manufacturing operations. This position provides financial leadership and business partnering across journals editorial costs, peer review processes, direct marketing expenditure, author royalties, production costs, manufacturing operations, inventory management, and supply chain costs. The successful candidate will work closely with functional leadership to optimise investment decisions, drive ROI, improve operational efficiency, and support strategic decision‑making across Taylor & Francis's portfolio of over 2,700 journals and extensive book publishing operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Financial Partnership: Serve as the primary finance business partner to key direct cost line leaders, providing financial insights, analysis, and strategic guidance to support decision‑making across content acquisition, marketing investments, and production/manufacturing operations.
- Cost Management & Reporting: Own the financial planning, forecasting, and reporting for all key direct cost lines, ensuring accurate and comprehensive financial information for executive leadership and supporting data‑driven decision‑making.
- Budget Planning & Control: Lead the annual budgeting/planning process and monthly forecasting for direct cost centres, collaborating with functional leaders to develop robust budgets aligned with strategic priorities and ensuring effective cost controls throughout the year.
- Performance Analytics & ROI: Develop and maintain comprehensive KPIs and performance metrics including marketing ROI, production efficiency, manufacturing costs per unit, inventory turnover, and supply chain effectiveness, providing regular insights to drive operational improvements.
- Investment Appraisal: Evaluate investment proposals for new journal launches, editorial initiatives, marketing campaigns, capital expenditure, process improvements, and technology investments, providing detailed financial analysis and ROI assessments to support business cases.
- Supplier & Vendor Analysis: Partner with Procurement to analyse supplier performance, negotiate cost structures, and assess vendor contracts, ensuring optimal value from key supplier relationships.
- Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process efficiency improvements across the value chain, from content creation through to final delivery, including supporting the financial analysis of the ongoing transition from print to digital publishing.
- Cross‑functional Collaboration: Work closely with Commercial, Technology, Operations, HR, and Legal teams to understand the financial implications of business decisions, new product development, and changes to publishing workflows or business models.
Required Qualifications
- Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) – Essential
- Demonstrable and credible progressive finance experience.
Senior Finance Business Partner – Direct Costs in Abingdon employer: Informa Connect Limited
IGM is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where detail-oriented individuals can thrive. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, IGM provides comprehensive training and opportunities to collaborate with senior team members, ensuring that every Data Entry Administrator can shape their career in the fast-paced financial sector. Located in the UK, IGM's culture fosters teamwork and innovation, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner – Direct Costs in Abingdon
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Business Partner – Direct Costs in Abingdon
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