FINANCE BUSINESS PARTNER

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Understand and challenge the performance of the business via highly effective performance management information and supporting key business decisions through providing detailed analysis of the financial implications of such decisions. To support the business partner community by: • Providing data analysis and financial modelling support for key projects and decision making within the business. • Carrying out analysis, summarizing performance and preparing presentations of financial and non-financial performance. This requires strong organizational, communication and analytical skills. Business Performance Management • To develop and report financial and other performance measures (metrics) required by the business e.g., the Monthly Business review Pack, Board papers, Country Management Pack • To monitor actual performance against target and to analyze variances. • To produce reports that enable the identification options for improved financial performance and cost reduction. • To support the business – in the production and review of specific technical elements of Management Accounts KPIs, margins review, FTP, ALM, endowments. • To provide an updated annual/half yearly forecast of performance against budget • To review the financial business case for all investment projects undertaken by your business and to monitor benefits by gathering data and calculating costs, benefits, and post implementation review. • To provide support and analysis on a range of technical issues in connection with the Financial and Management Accounts e.g., variance/trend analysis (actuals v budget) makeup of specific product lines etc. • Undertake key elements of strategic management activity, involving the identification of how value is created, destroyed, and driven in the function. • To support the business in Medium Term Planning/Short Term Planning processes. • Possesses a broad and comprehensive understanding of modelling and commercial drivers underpinning financials. • Actively contribute to both immediate team and relevant customer contacts. • Build and maintain solid relations with senior managers, and acts as the key interface between the finance function and African Regional Office stakeholders • To respond to routine and ad hoc information requests Decision Support • To help review and challenge the financial business case for all investment projects undertaken by the business and to monitor benefits by gathering data and calculating costs, benefits and returns. • To provide support and analysis on a range of technical issues in connection with the Financial and Management Accounts e.g., variance/trend analysis (actuals v budget) makeup of specific costs etc. Strategy & Planning • Undertake key elements of strategic management activity, involving the identification of how value is created, destroyed, and driven in the function. • To support the business in its MTP/STP processes. Financial Control • To challenge plans to commit costs, identifying areas for cost efficiency and managing the delivery of benefits. Staff Development • Take responsibility for personal performance development, training and career development plans and ensure they are relevant and progressed. Risk Management: • Update and maintain risk procedures and systems with respect to risk identification, risk assessment, risk monitoring, risk mitigation strategies and risk reporting • Ensure effective adoption and utilization of risk management tools • Drive remediation of risk management exceptions identified during audit or risk reviews • Promote risk management culture Personal Attributes: Attitude: Willingness to learn, positive “can do” approach and strong work ethic showing willingness to support team members in managing peaks and troughs in workload • Interpersonal Skills: Open, collaborative approach to teamwork and ability to build networks / relationships within the business. Should have confidence to communicate findings (including bad news) to stakeholders • Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate complex financial analysis to non-financial stakeholders • Technical Confidence: Data base queries (including SQL) are central to the role as is quantitative analysis – notably Excel. Much of this can be taught but basic proficiency and experience are vital • Flexibility: Ability to work across different teams and to pick up new skills quickly Requirements QUALIFICATIONS: • IT/Actuarial Science/Math’s related qualification added advantage. • Part qualified/ newly qualified accountant (those training towards accounting qualifications will be considered). • Experience in working in a financially focused role. • Experience in providing financial support and advising and influencing business management. • Excellent analytical and financial modelling skills to enable financial and operational analysis and interpretation. • Ability to assimilate, interpret and communicate complex financial analysis to non-financial people. • Bachelor’s degree and Professional Qualifications (Required) • Master’s degree, CPA (T), ACCA or equivalent will be an added advantage • At least 5 years of hands-on experience in the same role. KNOWLEDGE/EXPERTISE: • Detailed knowledge of financial modelling using advanced Excel functionality. • Knowledge and skills on power point presentations • An ability to acquire skills quickly to interrogate systems, e.g., Finacle, Vision, SQL etc. • Good communication skills, particularly the ability to analyze and summarize large amounts of data and present in a concise and readily understood format. • Good understanding of business strategic objectives and the value drivers of business products and markets. • Good understanding of key banking account lines and drivers (Income, staff costs, recharges, depreciation, impairments etc.)