Finance Business Partner (12 Month FTC)

We are seeking a commercially minded and proactive Finance Business Partner to join our Finance team in London, reporting directly to the Director of Finance. This pivotal role will partner with senior leaders across Group Functions, providing dedicated financial support to a corporate function such as Legal, Finance, HR or IT. The successful candidate will deliver high-quality financial reporting, planning, forecasting and analysis, providing clear insight and constructive challenge to support effective decision-making and drive business performance. Operating within a complex corporate environment, the role requires a hands-on and dependable individual who can maintain strong financial governance, oversee the financial management of Transitional Service Agreements (TSAs), and work collaboratively with stakeholders, Shared Services teams and junior colleagues to ensure the delivery of accurate, timely and value-adding financial information

Partner with senior stakeholders across Group Functions, providing dedicated finance support to a corporate function (e.g. Legal, Finance, HR or IT).

Deliver meaningful financial insight, challenge and recommendations to support decision-making, business performance and cost optimisation initiatives.

Own monthly management reporting, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and continuous improvement.

Provide insightful variance analysis, highlighting key risks, opportunities and performance drivers.

Review outputs from junior team members and Shared Services teams, ensuring consistency and quality, and present findings to senior stakeholders.

Lead budgeting and forecasting activities for supported functions.

Develop robust financial models and scenarios, ensuring alignment between financial plans and business priorities.

Own the financial governance, administration and performance reporting of Transitional Service Agreements (TSAs).

Monitor TSA costs, recoveries, budgets and forecasts, maintaining strong controls and governance.

Provide clear visibility of TSA performance, risks and opportunities while coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.

Maintain a strong financial control environment, ensuring compliance with policies and governance requirements.

Support audit activities and manage key governance frameworks, including delegated authorities.

Provide guidance and mentoring to junior team members.

Partner with Shared Service teams to ensure the delivery of accurate, high-quality financial information and drive continuous improvement.

Identify and implement improvements to financial processes, systems and reporting.

Support finance transformation initiatives and contribute to ad hoc projects, analysis and business priorities.

Qualifications

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA or equivalent)

Experience

Strong post-qualification experience

Experience operating as a Finance Business Partner in a large, international organisation

Experience supporting corporate or functional cost centres (e.g. Legal, Finance, HR) would be advantageous

Technical & Analytical Skills

Strong technical accounting and financial analysis capability

Advanced Excel skills; ERP and planning systems experience advantageous

Proven ability to translate complex data into clear insights

Business Partnering & Communication

Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and challenge appropriately

Clear and confident communication style

Highly credible, reliable and able to operate independently

Leadership & Collaboration

Experience mentoring or supporting junior team members

Proven ability to work effectively with Shared Service teams

Collaborative approach with focus on delivery and continuous improvement

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website ( Careers - Smiths Group plc )

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website ( Careers - Smiths Group plc )