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.