Finance Business Partner - People

at  Halfords

BACKGROUND:

Halfords Group plc ambition is to inspire and support a lifetime of motoring and cycling, with a medium-term goal of evolving into a consumer and B2B services-focused business. The realisation of this ambition is dependent on our people, and the Finance team is set to play a crucial role in the success of our strategy.
The Commercial Finance People Team is responsible for delivery of financial reporting, insight and analysis, and helping to drive decision making of stakeholders within central People Team functions across the Group.

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Curious attitude and confident self-starter, with desire to continuously develop self and drive the business forward.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment to tight deadlines.
• Absolute commitment to quality with a high attention to detail.
• Dynamic and results-driven individual with a high level of energy.
• The ability to build and develop good working relationships with key stakeholders.
• Willingness and enthusiasm to progress and succeed within the business.
• Strong computer skills:
• Microsoft Excel (essential)
• SAP (desirable)
• Microsoft Power BI (desirable)
• Qualified accountant with either CIMA/ACCA/ACA

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE:

This is an exciting role supporting and driving financial decision-making within the People Teams functions at Halfords Group plc. The Finance Business Partner position involves partnering with People Team stakeholders to provide strategic insights, financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting. You will ensure financial performance aligns with business goals, identify cost-saving opportunities, and assess the financial impact of People Team initiatives, including recruitment strategies, workforce planning, and employee benefits. This role reports into the Senior Finance Manager – FP&A and People for Halfords Group.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• You will play a key role in supporting the production of monthly management reporting in the People Team’s area of the business, providing accurate, timely and insightful information. This involves liaising with head office teams so they can understand their spend, and providing challenge to deliver in line with budgets. You will also be responsible for the reconciliation of the associated areas of the balance sheet across all group companies.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and reporting for People Team costs. You will support the annual budgeting and quarterly re-forecasting processes, including salary forecasts, benefits costs, and recruitment expenditures.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support ongoing projects. You will work closely with stakeholders to understand the financial implications of their strategies. This may include evaluating the cost-effectiveness of training programs, apprenticeship schemes, and other employee development initiatives. Use data-driven insights to guide decision-making and ensure alignment with overall business objectives.
• Handle sensitive information appropriately and ensure compliance with data protection policies. You will use confidential financial and HR-related information with the utmost discretion, sharing it only with authorised personnel and storing it securely.