Senior Finance Business Partner in Cheltenham

The Senior Finance Business Partner (SFBP) is a critical link between the Corporate Finance Department and the rest of the business. The SFBP will lead a team that provides financial insight and strategic analysis to help ensure financial health is maintained and to support business development. This role requires an in-depth understanding of financial principles, excellent analytical skills, line management experience and the ability to communicate collaboratively and effectively with both financial and non‑financial stakeholders.

Department: Client Finance

Location: Cheltenham

Key Responsibilities

• Delivery of effective business partnering for both PCIS and PMA.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

• Conduct detailed financial analysis and provide insights to support strategic decision‑making.
• Prepare monthly profit and loss reports including variance analysis and performance metrics.
• Prepare monthly balance sheet packs documenting key performance metrics and highlighting risks and opportunities.
• Develop and maintain complex financial models to report on and forecast business performance and evaluate potential scenarios.
• Ensure commercial pricing models are maintained and meet the requirement of the business.
• Assist in evaluating new business opportunities and other strategic initiatives.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process for Polo Works, working closely with cost and profit centre owners to develop budgets that are underpinned by clearly defined assumptions and are understood by all stakeholders.
• Prepare strategic long‑term financial plans and forecasts as required.
• Produce rolling twelve‑month forecasts on a monthly basis.
• Produce cash flow reporting and forecasts on a weekly basis.

Business Partnering

• Collaborate with business leaders to understand and support their financial needs and challenges, working with the Finance Operations Manager to ensure these are met.
• Provide strategic insight to senior managers.
• Act as a trusted advisor to Vertical Leads and Project Managers / Project Leads, offering insights and recommendations to drive financial performance.
• Ensure finance respond to one‑off, ad‑hoc requests from the business in a timely fashion.

Other Ad‑hoc Projects And Tasks As Required

• As needed to support the dynamic needs of the business and the Finance Department.

Key Performance Indicators

• Ability to meet deadlines and work independently or as part of a team.
• Ensures finance meet the needs of the business and adapts to change.
• Able to explain financial data clearly and concisely.
• Able to influence the business and build relationships.

Key Relationships

• Corporate Finance team.
• Profit and cost centre owners.
• Directors.
• Marco Group stakeholders.

Team Leadership and Management

Culture and Values

• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and pioneering workplace that values diversity and continuous growth.
• Encourage open communication, mutual respect, and a strong sense of belonging.
• Recognise achievements and address team concerns to maintain a supportive and positive workplace, with emphasis on colleague well‑being.

Performance Management

• Lead and motivate team members to achieve performance goals.
• Set clear expectations, conduct regular check‑ins, and provide constructive feedback.
• Address underperformance and recognise excellence.

Recruitment, Workforce Planning & Learning and Development

• Support recruitment, onboarding, and induction to integrate new hires effectively.
• Manage schedules and approve leave requests while ensuring operational balance.
• Identify training needs and promote continuous learning through career development and succession planning, empowering the team to unlock their full potential.

Communication and Collaboration

• Bridge communication between senior management and the team.
• Foster collaboration, resolve conflicts, and conduct regular, effective team meetings.
• Facilitate change through personal commitment and support of organisational initiatives.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to present financial information to non‑financial audiences in an understandable way.
• Skilled in conflict resolution and influencing others without possessing direct authority.
• In‑depth understanding of financial principles and accounting practices.
• Experience of leading profit and cost centres through a multi‑year budgeting cycle.
• Advanced analytical capabilities with the ability to interpret complex financial data to provide insight.
• High level of integrity, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem‑solving.
• Experience of guiding finance through a changing business landscape.
• Team management experience.

Demonstrates Behaviours Aligned To The PoloWorks PRIDE Values

• Pioneering – we don’t stand still.
• Responsible – We do the right thing.
• Inclusive – we all play a role.
• Delivery Focused – we provide services we are proud of.
• Empowering – we equip people to be their best.

Knowledge & Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (with 5 years PQE) or qualified by experience.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK GAAP.
• Detailed understanding of how systems can leverage efficiencies within a finance team.
• Advanced proficiency in financial modelling and the use of financial software (e.g. Microsoft applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), ERPs, BI tools).

Benefits

As well as a competitive salary, discretionary annual bonus, and a minimum 24 days of annual leave (with the option to buy more), you will also get an excellent benefits package, including flexible, hybrid working, private health insurance, life assurance, income protection, enhanced pension contributions, and occupational maternity and paternity pay. You will also have access to company volunteering days, an Electric Vehicle (EV) leasing scheme, an employee assistance programme with retail discounts and savings, a generous employee referral scheme, regular sports and social events, and free Cheltenham bus travel.