Senior Finance Business Partner

**Senior Finance Business Partner**

Flexible UK Location

A job with Merlin isn’t like a job anywhere else. With attractions around the world, from rollercoasters to wax figures, we don’t trade in suits, handshakes or briefcases. We trade in fun. In smiles, shrieks and spine-tingles. In Memories. In magic. But there are no tricks behind our magic. Instead, there are people like you. Passionate, dedicated people who are committed to making sure our worldwide attractions and guests’ experiences are the best they can be.

Due to continuing growth and development of Merlin’s attractions and brands on a global scale, we are looking for a **Senior Finance Business Partner** to join our Finance team. This role can be based at one of our Merlin locations, such as Poole, Basingstoke, London, or another suitable location to be discussed if shortlisted.

This role reports into the Senior Finance Director, LEGOLAND Resorts, on a permanent basis.

***About the Role...**
- You will focus on existing estate, working with LLP COO and leadership teams to support achievement of business goals and deliver all aspects of financial reporting
- You will be part of the Operating Group Finance team that is responsible for establishing, coordinating, and delivering the financial framework and strategy for the operating group
- Provide the financial insight and direction for the LLP COO and promote business partnering with Group Finance and divisional leadership teams
- You will proactively provide your business partners with solid analysis and proposed business solutions that drive conversations and ensure the right decisions are made across all levels of the business, but chiefly to support the CEO, CFO, Operating Group Finance Director and MD of the LLP Operating Group
- You start all conversations with a “can do” attitude, knowing you can create a finance solution to fit the business needs
- You have started to shift the balance from being requested to attend meetings by your business partners, to being the one who gathers the right expertise at the right time to inform effective business decisions
- You are continuing to refine your partnering, stewardship and leadership skills, focussing on both your impact and the engagement you drive
- You will use professional judgement to draw conclusions from financial data presented and make decisions as to the appropriate course of action
- You are a role model within the business and custodian of the Merlin Way, demonstrating our key values, taking ownership, driving innovation and ensuring we do it all for the love of Fun

***About You...**
- Strong Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
- Considerable experience within a Commercial Finance role
- Experience of running and performing budgeting or forecasting processes
- You will have experience providing financial support that drives the commercial decisions
- Experience in a consumer facing organisation with a continuous improvement agenda
- Excellent analytical ability with a good attention to detail
- Strong communication skills with the ability to present plans to support business decisions, to both finance and non-finance stakeholders
- Be willing and able to be part of a team delivering operational excellence
- Must be willing to travel to different Merlin locations on an occasional - regular basis depending on business needs

**The Benefits**

We’re growing fast and alongside a fun and friendly environment, we offer a fabulous package and amazing prospects - ideal if you’re already fantastic and can quickly become even better (our magic can help here). Benefits include Pension, Life Assurance, discretionary company bonus, 25 days’ holiday and, of course, a Merlin Magic Pass which gives you and your friends and family free admission to all of our attractions worldwide, as well as 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants and 40% discount on LEGO.

**Everyone Matters at Merlin.**

At Merlin we welcome the world to our magical attractions and resorts every day and we want to reflect that same multicultural mix inside our business too. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse workplace where people can be themselves, have the same opportunities and thrive together. Because at Merlin, everyone matters
Together, we work to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, no matter their age, race, gender, disability or sexual orientation. Although we understand that we'll always be learning and growing, we aim to be the most inclusive and flexible employer in our industry.

**Returning to work**

We have an active Return to Work programme, which offers training, mentoring and more, to support with the transition back into working life. So, if you’ve been on a career break for any reason we can support you.

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