Finance Business Partner (French speaking)

Finance Business Partner (French speaking)

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Remote

Reporting To: Fergal Cawley

Description

About Celnor

We are a leading player in the Testing, Inspection, Certification, and Compliance (TICC) sector, backed by Inflexion Private Equity, and with a workforce of approximately 1,750 employees across the UK, North America and Europe. As part of the Celnor Group, we are made up of like-minded businesses that complement each other in delivering critical data for sustainable, safe, and compliant activities. We pride ourselves on fostering a People-first culture that emphasises diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being. Our mission is to drive sustainable growth and organisational effectiveness through strategic human resource leadership and innovative people practices. We combine the intimacy and entrepreneurial spirit of smaller companies with the scale and ambition of a larger organisation, providing opportunities for growth and setting new standards for the sector. At the core of our operations are our values, which place customers and colleagues at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that we work together to share best practices, learn from each other's strengths, and achieve our shared ambitions.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Finance Business Partner / Management Accountant to join our dynamic finance team at Celnor. This role is pivotal in supporting our expansion into mainland Europe where you'll be partnering with European based businesses, and the various teams within them, to support their financial performance of the business by partnering with various departments and to provide insightful analysis and guidance. As part of a private equity-backed group, this role offers a unique opportunity to be involved in high-impact financial decisions, contributing to the growth and success of the company.

This role is remote but must be located in the UK and having either fluent or native French speaking due to the nature of the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and present detailed management accounts, including variance analysis, to provide insights into business performance.
• Support the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Develop and maintain financial models to forecast business performance and support strategic decision-making.
• Act as a key finance partner to department heads, providing financial insights and support to drive decision-making and improve financial performance.
• Collaborate with the Financial Controller and other finance team members to ensure alignment and consistency in financial reporting and analysis across the group.
• Work closely with operational teams to understand their financial needs and challenges, offering solutions that enhance business efficiency.
• Lead the annual budgeting process, working with department heads to set realistic and challenging budgets.
• Prepare regular forecasts and financial projections to support the company's strategic planning.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, identifying risks and opportunities, and making recommendations for corrective actions.
• Assist in preparing financial information and reports required by private equity investors, ensuring accuracy and compliance with their specific requirements.
• Support the CFO in managing relationships with external stakeholders, including investors, auditors, and banks.
• Ensure adherence to financial policies, procedures, and internal controls, contributing to a robust control environment.
• Support the Financial Controller in maintaining compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, including tax and audit processes.
• Work closely with the Financial Controller to support the finance team's development and performance.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior finance team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Play an active role in supporting Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) activities, including financial due diligence, integration planning, and post-acquisition financial management.
• Lead or contribute to finance-related projects aimed at improving processes, systems, and financial performance.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Qualifications and Experience

• Native or fluent French speaker. Additional languages including Dutch and Spanish are beneficial.
• Experience working in or with French, Netherlands or Belgium based companies. Strong understanding of French financial and tax nuances.
• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Proven experience in a Finance Business Partner or Management Accountant role within a complex, fast-paced environment.

Personal Attributes

• Experience in a Private Equity-backed business is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and financial modelling skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Must have experience in revenue recognition for projects including a good understanding of accrued/deferred income
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple priorities effectively.
• Exhibits strategic thinking and the ability to deliver tangible results in alignment with organisational goals.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Upholds the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
• Committed to providing exceptional service and support to internal and external stakeholders.
• Open to adopting new technologies and staying updated on industry trends and best practices.