Finance Business Partner

The Finance Business Partner – Budgeting and Analysis is a critical role responsible for overseeing the budgeting and forecasting processes, managing cash flow, conducting in-depth financial analysis, and providing strategic financial support to various business units. This position acts as a key financial advisor, translating complex financial data into actionable insights to drive informed decision-making and ensure financial health and growth. Principal Accountabilities: Key Responsibilities Budgeting and Forecasting Lead and coordinate the annual budgeting process, including the preparation of templates, consolidation of departmental budgets, and alignment with overarching business objectives.

Prepare rolling forecasts and conduct scenario planning as required, adapting to changing market conditions and business needs. Monitor budget versus actual performance closely and provide timely, comprehensive variance analyses, highlighting key drivers and recommending corrective actions. Cash Flow Management Prepare and rigorously review monthly cash flow reports, ensuring accuracy and alignment with business operations and funding requirements. Maintain and submit HQ-specific financial reports on a monthly basis, adhering to deadlines and reporting standards. Proactively identify and highlight risks and opportunities related to working capital and liquidity, proposing strategies for optimization.

Financial Analysis and Reporting Conduct thorough monthly financial analysis and present findings with clear, actionable insights to management. Prepare and support the development of periodic in-house financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Perform ad hoc financial analysis for management requests and new business cases, providing robust financial models and recommendations. Cost Control and Inventory Management Monitor key cost drivers across all departments and actively implement initiatives to optimize spending and enhance cost efficiency. Monitor the landed cost components by product, to retain costs at or below budgeted costs, ensuring competitive pricing and healthy margins.

Perform detailed inventory ageing analysis and proactively flag slow-moving or obsolete inventory items, recommending strategies for reduction and write-offs. Commercial and Operational Support Conduct comprehensive pricing and value chain assessments to support margin improvement initiatives and strategic pricing decisions. Review and validate sales incentive schemes to ensure they are accurately calculated and effectively aligned with business targets and profitability goals. Calculate and validate supplier and customer rebates, ensuring timely accruals, accurate financial treatment, and compliance with agreements. Stakeholder Engagement Act as a trusted financial advisor to commercial, operations, and supply chain teams, providing expert financial guidance and support.

Translate complex financial data and concepts into clear, understandable business language for non-financial stakeholders, facilitating informed discussions. Support cross-functional initiatives by providing robust financial analysis, sound recommendations, and financial modeling expertise. Team Leadership and Development Manage, mentor, and develop a team of finance and accounting professionals, fostering a high-performance culture focused on accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement. Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and identify professional development opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and career growth. Allocate resources effectively, oversee daily activities, and ensure the timely and accurate completion of all team deliverables and financial processes.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. Minimum of 8 - 10 years of experience in finance and accounting. Experience in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, modeling, power Bi in the Food Distribution sector is highly preferable.