Finance Business Partner

ARA is the UK's leading independent transonic wind tunnel and we have a new opportunity for an experienced Finance Business Partner to be responsible for providing overall support to the Head of Finance and IT in ensuring business needs are met. Reporting to the Head of Finance and IT, this role will play a key part in providing the existing finance area with more resilience and drive the strategic direction of the business. The ideal candidate must be able to adapt quickly to changing requirements or priorities and where necessary divert to assist with key projects. We are looking for a flexible individual who has a strong business partnering experience and who is a team player with excellent analytical and problem solving skills and who is confident in dealing with people., 1. Provide regular reporting to key stakeholders on financial and operational performance across areas including: internal and external customer projects; overhead budgets and capital expenditure. 2. Ensure that the financial performance, including key opportunities and risks, of major contracts and programmes are understood and reported accurately. 3. Provide analysis, guidance and management insights to enable effective financial control and governance. 4. Provide robust challenge and support to investment and transformation programmes to ensure that maximum value is obtained. 5. Advise on accounting matters to ensure that financial transactions are recorded in accordance with relevant accounting standards. 6. Meet regularly with key stakeholders to encourage the necessary actions to reduce financial overspends and financial risks. 7. Assist budget holders to plan their spend effectively, within agreed deadline and help them identify business opportunities and opportunities for cost reduction. 8. Assist the Head of Finance & IT with ad hoc reporting and other tasks as required.

• Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
• Strong technical knowledge of relevant accounting standards (IFRS)
• Project Accounting experience ideally in an engineering or similar project based environment
• Advanced excel knowledge including modelling and forecasting, is essential for this role.
• Experience of working in a similar role at a senior level is desirable.
• Knowledge of SAP would be advantageous.
• Commercially minded with a deep business understanding.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
  
  Aircraft Research Association (ARA) is a unique SME and the UK's leading independent transonic wind tunnel with a passionate workforce of engineering and aerodynamic professionals. We are a leading specialist in aerodynamic research providing complementary services and solutions to international aerospace and defence clients. Our clients include Saab, Bombardier, Boeing, Turkish Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, Comac and BAE Systems.
Typical projects include producing scaled-down military and civilian aircraft models, comprising multiple parts, which are assembled together and used as highly accurate forces/pressures measuring devices within the on-site high-speed (transonic) wind tunnel.

This is an exciting opportunity for the right person to be part of a successful and highly skilled engineering company. In return, we offer a range of benefits including: a competitive salary and pension scheme; flexible working; free parking; employee assistance programme; private health insurance and 26 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing with length of service after 5 years' service)