High-growth (Series F) SaaS business is looking for an experienced and qualified Finance Business Partner to join it's dynamic Finance team as the sole Finance Director for it's large IT/Finance Cost Centre / Division. Best suited to candidates from the Tech sector and / or candidates who have been the principal Business Partner for a large IT/Tech/RnD Division of a well-established business. The company is adding resource to the finance function as it readies itself for an imminent US listing, so it is an exciting time to join.

Role description

This is an interesting role as it encompasses the elements of P&L ownership, financial controllership, business partnership & FPA. The individual in this role will be a self-sufficient combat unit responsible for the core business unit that drives our product innovation. 

Systems Division today counts c.200 people with over $35m in annual spend, with further growth planned, including hiring in new locations. This role will be instrumental in supporting the management of Systems Division in growing the team of A-players cost-efficiently.

Historically, responsibility for reporting was split between FDs of local operations, but to streamline the accountability and focus we are now creating this dedicated role. 

The company is upgrading internal control processes to ensure SOX compliance in readiness for the Listing. FD Systems will be responsible for building and then maintaining robust financial systems and processes that are compliant with the company’s policies and standards. 

  

Key responsibilities

• Responsible for all aspects of finance across the RnD business unit, including working with the local AP teams to process invoices as well as Accounting and Tax to support the compliant functioning of the business unit
• Work to streamline and simplify the accounting and reporting structure within the Systems division. This can include improving the invoice processing and approval workstream, headcount approval and tracking, BvA process and cost management
• Own the budgeting, forecasting and planning process, deliver improved management information and developing new reports and models that are appropriate for non-finance stakeholder consumption
• Ensure consistent, timely and accurate reporting
• Support the COO as a financial and strategic partner
• Support the monthly BvA process, management reports preparation and analytics
• Business partnering with the Global FPA team on the annual budget, quarterly models, rolling monthly forecasts and ad hoc projects
• Support accounting team on querying results and variance analysis
• Provide key insights on the ongoing business to internal stakeholders
• Tracking the business unit headcount plans with agreed budgeted plans, explaining variances, exit rates and overruns relative to expectations
• Reporting to tax authorities
• Prepare and review agreements with vendors, ensuring that the procurement policy in place is followed

Position Requirements: 

• Qualified accountant with minimum of 5 years post qualification experience
• The role will involved working with Senior Tech Stakeholders and candidates must be able to "talk their language" and hold their own with gravitas. Therefore candidate must have Tech sector experience or be able to demonstrate prior experience of being the principle Finance Business Partner for the IT/Systems/Tech/RnD division of a well-established business
• Experience of working in a Snr Finance Business Partner or Commercial Financial Controller role
• Substantial experience in development and monitoring of stakeholder budgeting and forecasting cycles and delivery of financial management reporting, analysis and commentary (particularly cost reporting and analysis)
• Some tax experience would be useful
• Ability to build strong relationships across countries, functions and stakeholders
• Fast thinker, able to handle high level of pressure and critical decision making
• High integrity and openness combined with good governance