Finance Business Partner (Audit) in Stoke-on-Trent

We are seeking a qualified and motivated Finance Business Partner (Audit) to support the financial reporting cycle and play a key role in assisting with the preparation of financial statements and external audit processes, as well as monthly management accounts. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate financial insights effectively across the business. This role is essential in ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and timeliness of financial reporting and will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and external auditors.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of monthly management reports in line with IFRS or applicable reporting standards.
• Spend approximately 60% of time delivering high-quality internal & external audit engagements, working closely with the UK finance team to ensure accurate financial reporting, robust internal controls, and compliance with UK regulatory and accounting requirements.
• Work closely with operational and departmental stakeholders to provide financial insight, variance analysis, and recommendations for performance improvement.
• Act as a business partner to key stakeholders, helping them understand financial results and their impact on operational performance.
• Support in the development and implementation of financial controls, policies, and procedures.
• Plan, manage and review statutory audits in accordance with UK ISAs, UK GAAP, FRS 102, and IFRS where applicable.
• Review audit working papers and financial statements prior to final approval.
• Identify audit risks, control weaknesses and technical issues, and agree practical solutions with the finance team.
• Collaborate with the wider finance team to ensure accurate general ledger maintenance and month-end closing activities.
• Contribute to budgeting and forecasting processes, providing insight into variances and business drivers.
• Continuously seek process improvements and automation opportunities within financial reporting and audit preparation.

Required Skills / Qualifications

• ACCA qualified (or equivalent).
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant finance experience, preferably in a business partnering or reporting role.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, with proven experience in financial statement preparation.
• Experience in audit processes, either from a corporate or public practice environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel; experience with ERP systems (e.g., Sage 50/Sage 200 and HFM) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Work closely with the UK finance team to coordinate audit planning, information requests and deliverables.
• Act as a key liaison between auditors and finance, ensuring clear communication and smooth audit execution.
• Provide guidance and support to finance colleagues on audit requirements, accounting standards and best practice.
• Partner with finance to resolve audit queries efficiently and minimise disruption to business operations.
• Support finance teams during year-end, interim audits and regulatory reporting processes.

What We Offer

• A collaborative and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for career growth and continuous professional development.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Exposure to a dynamic and evolving finance function.
• Opportunity to work remotely 2 days per week (or negotiable).

Working for us means

• The salary is between £56,000 & £60,000 per year, depending on your professional experience.
• Holidays - 25 days plus bank holidays, buy and sell scheme available.
• Probationary Period – 6 months.
• Pension – Can join immediately or auto enrolled after 3 months - Employee 5% and Employer 5% via salary sacrifice.
• Eligible to join Private Healthcare.
• Enrolled in Group Income Protection and Death in Service (4 x basic salary) upon commencement of employment.
• Notice – 1 week during probation, increasing to 1 month thereafter.

Nijhuis Saur Industries UK & Ireland are committed to maintaining Environmental & Social Impact goals: To reach Net Zero emissions across our value chain by 2040. To continuously meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, accountability, maintaining B-Corp Certification. To be a socially responsible company creating a positive impact to all stakeholders including workers, communities, customers, and our planet. Nijhuis Saur Industries UK & Ireland are an equal opportunity employer; we are committed to providing equal opportunities in all aspects of employment in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Recruiting note

Please do not call or email us unless we have contacted you first. We believe that we can find our new colleagues ourselves; therefore agency support is not desired. Profiles and resumes sent unsolicited by agencies, even if you send them directly to a hiring manager, will be treated as direct applications from the candidate.

Join our #missionwater.