At WHSmith Europe our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers, the ones that enable our growth. The team are seeking a strategic and analytical Finance Business Partner to support our IT, Procurement, and Group Functions. In this role, you will act as a financial advisor to functional leaders, driving cost optimization, strategic budget management, and insightful monthly financial reporting and quarterly forecasting.
What you will be doing:
- Partner with IT, Procurement, and Group leadership to manage operational and capital expenditure budgets.
- Lead the month-end process for central cost centres, ensuring accurate accruals, prepayments, and variance analysis.
- Deliver comprehensive monthly variance analysis, identifying cost drivers and corrective action plans.
- Prepare annual budgeting, mid-term planning, and quarterly forecasting cycles for supported portfolios.
- Evaluate business cases for technology investments, vendor contracts, and internal transformation projects.
- Evaluate procurement savings and validate assumptions and outcomes
- Implement robust financial controls and KPI tracking to measure efficiency and ROI across functions.
- Collaborate with the central accounting team during month-end close to ensure accurate accruals and reporting.
- Assist with Finance transformation seeking to streamline and simplify procedures and processes
- Work with global finance partners to consolidate submissions to report global costs for functional areas.
What we are looking for:
- Fully or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with strong financial modelling skills.
- Demonstrated experience in financial business partnering, preferably within IT, procurement, or corporate functions.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and business intelligence reporting tools.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex financial data for non-finance stakeholders.
- A proactive, inquisitive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement.
How we reward our teams:
- Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office
- 4pm Friday Finish
- Flexible Working
- 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
- Family Friendly Leave
- Company Pension scheme
- Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
- Competitive Salary and Car Allowance
- Private Medical
- Cycle to work scheme
- Staff Discount Card for railway stores (subject to policy)
About us:
Celebrating over 230 years, we're proud to have grown into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries - the air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey. As a diverse group of over 6,000 colleagues, we're all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.
Our business operates from two key locations, In a vibrant area of London, close to Aldgate and Liverpool Street Station, while the other is located at Swindon's International Business Park, just off the M4 with excellent transport links and over 100 on-site parking spaces.
For WHSmith Europe, our mission is simple - to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands across airports, hospitals, rail stations and other markets. Our operational environment is fast-paced and highly regulated, requiring exceptional standards of maintenance, compliance, health & safety and colleague welfare across every location.
We're all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you-you're welcome here.
We're also open to flexible working where possible, so if that's something you need, let's chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know - we're happy to help!
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Finance Business Partner in City of London employer: WH Smith PLC
WHSmith PLC is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values teamwork and adaptability. As a Weekend Sales Assistant, you'll enjoy benefits such as a pension scheme, cycle to work options, and paid annual leave, all while working in a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and development.
