Expense Partner

As Expense Partner, you'll be at the heart of our business, working closely with senior leaders and finance directors to deliver impactful cost management insights. You'll influence decision-making, support budget and forecast targets, and help embed a cost-conscious culture across key functions. This is a strategic role where your ability to turn data into compelling stories and influence at all levels will drive material improvements in our cost base and business outcomes.

Our client offers hybrid working, and amazing benefits such as:

Annual company & performance-based bonus
Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contributions)
Life Assurance (up to 10 x annual salary)
Private medical cover
28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
Opportunity to buy up to 5 extra days leave or sell up to 5 days leave
Wellbeing services & resources

What you'll be doing:

Build and maintain strong relationships with Finance Directors and senior leaders, providing expert expense partnering support that directly impacts growth, profitability, and customer service
Influence leadership to embed a cost-conscious mindset, supplementing standard reports with ad-hoc insights and detailed analysis of the cost base
Oversee monthly cost forums, presenting performance against budget, risks, opportunities, and key decision points for fast-moving functions
Drive budget and forecast accuracy by leading reviews, challenging assumptions, and providing clear financial insights to support accountability
Collaborate with teams to agree cost allocation drivers and ensure transparent, fair distribution of costs across channels, products, and activities
Support change portfolio governance by tracking project costs, benefits, and delivery, providing early warning of underperforming initiatives and supporting course correction
Lead reforecasting and reprioritisation efforts, ensuring agility in response to changing business needs and strategic priorities
Manage approval forums for budget adjustments, investment funding, and cost-saving initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals
What you'll bring:

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, or ACCA) with proven experience in cost management, budgeting, and forecasting within financial services or insurance
Strong relationship builder with excellent negotiation, influencing, and presentation skills, capable of engaging senior leaders confidently
Analytical mindset with the ability to turn complex data into clear, compelling insights that drive decision-making
Business acumen and commercial awareness, with a proactive, solution-oriented attitude
Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple priorities effectively
Integrity and discretion in handling sensitive financial data
Experience working across functions and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including finance leaders and operational managers
Proactive, energetic, and versatile approach with a focus on continuous improvement and value delivery
As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom