Finance Business Partner

Following years of accelerated growth Culina Group is now a £2.2billion+ turnover business, employing over 22,000 staff, with a fleet of more than 5,000 vehicles. Culina Group operates from over 100+ depots across the UK and Ireland, serving more than 1,000 clients over its framework of chilled, ambient, contract packaging solutions and fresh and baked goods.

Company Overview

Fowler Welch (Part of the Culina Group) operates in the fresh produce sector providing time critical logistics solutions for major retailers, growers and manufacturers across the UK.

At Culina we have a winning culture, we believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive… A place where you're valued, challenged, and inspired.

Job Description

Due to continued growth, we are now seeking a Finance Business Partner to join our Finance team to be based at our Washington OR Broxburn sites, with monthly travel to Spalding during month end. 

As Finance Business Partner you will provide analytical support and business partnering to Operational sites to help plan, understand and improve the financial performance of the business.

This is a full time, permanent position Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm offering a competitive salary and package with the opportunity to work for a forward thinking market leader.

Job responsibilities of Finance Business Partner include:

• Prepare weekly P&L performance information by site in preparation for weekly performance reviews, including variance analysis to latest budget / forecast
• Preparation and reconciliation of SAGE financial accounts to business units P&Ls on a monthly basis with full explanation of deviation
• Delivery of focused and effective business unit specific financial information to aid achievement of site budgets                  
• Refresh the financial forecast quarterly to highlight expected performance versus budget
• Act as business partner to the business unit management team providing opinion, guidance, and analytical support where appropriate
• To undertake cost centre analysis as required as part of the month end process or on an ad-hoc basis
• To issue cost centre reports on a weekly basis or when required to cost centre managers
• To prepare accruals & prepayments for the business unit
• Prepare balance sheet reconciliations for the business unit
• Support the Senior Finance Business partner in delivering timely, accurate, insightful business information.
• Review and control supplier spend & ensure compliance with Group Authority Mandates (GO)
• Work within the Finance team to deliver adhoc projects as required

To apply for the role of Finance Business Partner, you will possess the following skills, experiences and qualifications:

• Fully Qualified Accountant is desirable
• Relevant experience working in a commercial or finance function in an operational industry - FMCG or similar
• Proven experience in analysing/trending data to make recommendations for change / challenge the business
• Strong knowledge of accounting regulations, procedures and current legislation
• Proficiency with Excel and the ability to use pivot tables, lookups etc. or macros to automate and improve reporting
• Ability to present and interpret key information
• Previous business partnering experience is desirable

As part of our drive to make Fowler Welch a great place to work. We are proud to be an inclusive and diverse organisation where we are committed to employee development and recognising success for hard working performers.

Our dedicated learning and development programmes are open to every employee to give you the opportunity to shape your own future within logistics and continue to work in an environment where team culture thrives.

Our People are the driving force behind our success, which is why we offer a wide range of benefits which include:

• Annual Leave – Competitive holiday entitlement
• Pension scheme – we want colleagues to enjoy a comfortable retirements so we offer a great contribution
• Life Assurance -  x3 your annual salary
• Wellness – Via our Employee Assistance Programme we offer immediate access to a confidential telephone counselling and legal information service that operates 24 hours a days, 365 days a year
• Eye Care Vouchers – We can provide you with substantial savings with free eye tests and discounts on prescription glasses
• Reward & Recognition – We recognise that employees have gone the extra mile via Employee of the month and year, special recognition and long service awards.
• Everyday discounts - via our benefit platform you will have access to over 50 retailer discounts for everyday savings!

If you meet the requirements for the above role and are looking for your next career opportunity please apply now and become a part of our #WinningTeam!