Finance Business Partner

at  CVS UK Ltd

CVS Group plc is an AIM listed, international integrated veterinary services provider which delivers to clients through four business areas; our veterinary practices, diagnostic laboratories, pet crematoria and e-commerce division. Our success is derived from the passion our people have for animals and for making pets a priority, it’s what is at the heart of our work, every day.
The Group generates revenue of more than £600m from 450 practices across the UK and Australia, with more than 8,500 employees across vets, nurses, other clinical employees and within our support office. In a growing pet market, we are well positioned for both organic and acquisitive growth, and significant investment projects are in progress to enhance our infrastructure and central support for the Group.
The leadership team of CVS carry the attributes of the animal caring focus throughout the Group. Employees are supported to learn and grow, internal promotions are encouraged and the dynamic environment provides opportunities to really make a difference.

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED:

For the role, it is essential that you:

• Are a Qualified accountant with 3+ years PQ commercial business finance experience
• Are comfortable with accounting systems and large data sets
• Have experience of working with non-Finance teams to drive business
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling
• Have a keen attention to detail
• Are naturally curious, have a desire to solve problems and improve what’s been done before
• Have excellent Excel skills

The additional following skills are desirable:

• Able to be firm and have the confidence to appropriately challenge colleagues at all levels, when it’s the right thing to do
• Able to articulate your thoughts and use influencing skills to encourage others to view matter from a different perspective
• Enjoy working in a large, multi-site, dynamic environment
• Microsoft NAV and Cognos skills desirable

Alongside a competitive salary and company car/car allowance, we are offering benefits including; 6.6 weeks holiday, buy/sell holiday scheme, pension matched up to 6%, health cash plan, 1 day extra holiday per year up to 5 years, enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave, generous staff discount on pet care and products.
CVS is committed to being a fully inclusive place to work where all our colleagues are encouraged and supported to be themselves, where difference is celebrated and where everyone feels able to deliver their best. We are also determined to build a workforce that is more representative of our diverse communities and the people we provide our services to

SUMMARY OF THE ROLE:

We are looking for a proactive Finance Business Partner to work with key operational leadership covering the Companion Animal Division across the North of the UK. Reporting to the FP&A Manager, the role serves as a key advisor to the business, acting as the primary liaison between Finance, Divisional Directors and other senior leaders, to understand their businesses and the key drivers of success and profitability. You will support them in the preparation of the annual budget and monthly forecasts, and will be comfortable in your ability to challenge their thinking and assumptions. Attention to detail is critical in ensuring financial information remains accurate and reliable.
This opportunity will suit a qualified accountant with at least 3 years’ PQ commercial finance experience in a dynamic business environment. You will be genuinely interested in business, articulate and a self-motivated individual. You will be joining a strong team of Finance Business Partners, and regularly interacting with senior Finance leadership. You will be encouraged to actively develop your skills and career with us.
The role is based at Diss on a hybrid basis, with the expectation to travel to interact with relevant partners and to be with other Finance teams or business leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

• Act as a valued partner to the Divisional Directors and be their sounding board: challenge them, be firm in your view and be prepared to say no; give them insightful analysis, communicating in their language so they can understand what’s happening in their businesses and can then action the changes needed
• Think ahead: understand what the Directors need & why they need it and deliver it appropriately; be proactive, guide the Division Directors in terms of ‘what’s next’; identify small issues before they become big issues and help the Directors find solutions to them
• Review the month end numbers, do variance analysis and help the business understand the implications and potential actions they should take; help and oversee the production of accurate financial information
• Work with the Divisional Directors and their leadership teams in preparation of the Budget and Forecasts
• Be confident and capable to present financial performance and plans to senior Finance, highlighting issues and opportunities to suggest strategic adjustments to improve divisional performance
• Forge a close working relationship with your peers within the FP&A team and the wider Finance team
• Deliver financial insight and analysis responding to ad hoc business requests as needed to support the Head of Commercial and FP&A
• Drive an improvement focus agenda, seeking efficiencies in processes and bring a creative approach in reaching solutions

For the role, it is essential that you:

• Are a Qualified accountant with 3+ years PQ commercial business finance experience
• Are comfortable with accounting systems and large data sets
• Have experience of working with non-Finance teams to drive business
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling
• Have a keen attention to detail
• Are naturally curious, have a desire to solve problems and improve what’s been done before
• Have excellent Excel skill