Finance Business Partner in Manchester

Reporting to the Senior Finance Business Partner, the Finance Business Partner will provide proactive financial and commercial support to designated areas of the UK Water business. The role will work closely with operational leaders, Project Management Leads, Commercial Finance colleagues and Project Accountants to improve project portfolio performance, growth and deliver robust budgeting and forecasting.

• Act as the Finance Business Partner for assigned Business Centres, building trusted relationships with operational and commercial stakeholders.
• Assist in the preparation of the month end results and communicate monthly performance to the operational teams, including concise commentary and variance analysis.
• Work with the business to prepare the annual budget and quarterly forecasting for the assigned Business Centres, clearly explaining assumptions, sensitivities, risks and opportunities.
• Work with Project Management Leads to identify actions that improve financial performance, including forward-looking analysis.
• Ensure compliance with Stantec's accounting policies, in particular IFRS 15 and Stantec's revenue recognition policies.
• Maintain a strong understanding of key client contracts and translate relevant commercial terms into sound financial analysis.
• Partnering with the Project Accountants, support cash and working-capital performance, including timely preparation and analysis of DSO information and actions to improve collection outcomes.
• Support internal and external audits, ensuring timely completion of agreed actions.
• At all times, ensure you work within the Stantec risk and control framework, which operates under SOX standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in reporting, controls and processes, using digital tools and advanced Excel capabilities where these improve quality, consistency and efficiency.
• Promote a positive safety, wellbeing and inclusive culture in day-to-day work and stakeholder interactions.

• Newly qualified or actively progressing towards a recognised accountancy qualification (CIMA/ACCA), with relevant finance business partnering or project accounting experience.
• Understanding of budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, project accounting, controls and cash or working-capital management.
• Knowledge of revenue recognition principles, experience of IFRS 15 or project-based accounting is desirable.
• Credible and constructive communicator who can explain quantitative information clearly to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• Able to build trusted relationships, influence outcomes and provide appropriate challenge while maintaining professional integrity.
• Comfortable working independently under broad guidance, managing competing priorities and delivering to recurring reporting deadlines.
• Strong systems capability. Oracle ERP experience is desirable, alongside advanced Excel skills; experience of Power BI or similar reporting tools would be beneficial.
• Experience in professional services, consulting, engineering or another project-based environment would be advantageous.
• Willingness to travel to other Stantec UK offices.

Our core values unite us as a firm. Our commitment to the health and safety of our people and to being ethical underpins our values and strengthens everything we do.

• We put people first: People are at the heart of everything we do; they give our work purpose. That's why we listen to and design for the distinct needs of our clients-and those who live and work in the communities we serve. It's why we prioritize the safety of everyone our work touches. And it's why we define fulfilling careers for our own people, helping them set and then surpass their individual goals
• We are driven to achieve: Named in the top 50 companies to work by Glassdoor 2025. Recognised by Corporate Knights as one of the world's top 10 most sustainable companies 2025.
• We do what is right: Industry leading training and development as well as paid for professional subscriptions. A professional progression plan, supporting you to become chartered.
• We are better together: A supportive and collaborative team environment and wider ERG network (see more on our ERGs here: Stantec Employee Resource Groups)
• Growth: We're on an exciting growth journey across the UK - we want you to be part of it!
• Great Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus schemes, enhanced pension plan, annual leave with the option to buy/sell additional days, private medical insurance, group income protection & life assurance included as standard as well as discounted gym membership and lots more.
• Flexible working: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with our hybrid approach to flexible working. Please note, we ask our full-time employees to come into the office 3 days per week.