ROLE OVERVIEW

Croud is a global, full service digital marketing agency with a unique business model that helps businesses drive sustainable growth in the new world of marketing. Croud was recently named a Sunday Times Best Place to Work for the second year in a row, and was named Performance Marketing Employer of the Year by PMW.

At Croud, we unlock potential by elevating our people, clients, and communities within a rapidly advancing and complex economy. We operate as a unique scaled network of Intelligent, Creative Specialists, enabling us to deliver superior brand outcomes and unlock potential for our people, our clients and our communities.

Our culture is strategically driven and inspired by a shared long-term vision. It is collaborative and connected, with a focus on continuous learning and mutual support.

We are energised by future thinking, driving innovation to achieve better outcomes. We are instinctively generous, actively including and empowering our people. Above all, we are purpose-driven, committed to positively impacting our people, the planet, and our global communities.

As we continue to expand both organically and through mergers and acquisitions, we are seeking a personable and strategic Finance Business Partner to act as a trusted advisor, supporting our growth ambitions and helping to drive performance across the Group.

This key role sits within the Financial Planning and Analysis function and reports directly to the Finance Director. It will span multiple areas of the business, providing high-impact financial insight and strategic support.

The Finance Business Partner will build strong relationships with senior leaders, offering challenge, support, and influence in decision-making. Working closely with senior management, department heads, and cross-functional teams, they will deliver insightful analysis and guidance to shape business strategy, enhance profitability, and support sustainable growth.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Partnering

• Develop and maintain an understanding of requirements to succeed from strategic business units; understand the external environment including the competitive landscape and risks
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior management, department heads and project teams, offering financial guidance and support to drive performance improvements
• Challenge, support and influence financial and non-financial stakeholders to optimise decision-making processes and in particular, encourage the consideration of resource allocation.

Strategic Financial Planning

• Partner with senior management to develop and execute financial strategies aligned with business objectives
• Participate in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling activities to support business planning and decision-making
• Conduct scenario planning and sensitivity analysis to aid long-term outlooks and to support or oppose specific business cases.

Financial Analaysis & Reporting

• Analyse financial performance, identify trends and provide actionable insights to enhance operational efficiency and profitability
• Prepare management reports (including Board and ad-hoc external reports), variance analysis, and commentary to communicate financial results effectively and to maintain a deep understanding of the business
• Support the Finance processes for consolidated accounting systems ensuring alignment with reporting, planning and analysis deliverables

Commercial Operations

• Collaborate with commercial teams to evaluate pricing strategies, cost structures and profitability of client and third party engagements
• Provide financial input and support for contract negotiations, particularly; rate cards, resource commitments and RFI/RFP support
• Review and advise on the Group’s sales commission and bonus policies

Mergers & Acquisitions

• Support M&A activities from initial due diligence to post-merger integration, encouraging alignment with strategic business objectives
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the overall integration period and post-integration review is efficient and effective
• Contribute towards ad-hoc projects, particularly through involvement during vendor due diligence stages; including refinancing and private equity exit rounds

Strategy & Centralised Business Analysis

• Collaborate with BI and data teams to ensure an effective centralised data warehouse solution is maintained; advise on future business system requirements (e.g. ERP)
• Utilise data insights and analytics tools to track key performance indicators (KPIs), identify opportunities, and improve decision-making across the business
• Support senior management with strategic management processes; adopt storytelling techniques to drive growth and support the Group’s organisational strategy

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Professional qualification (e.g. CIMA, ACCA, ACA), or at least part-qualified required
• Degree educated in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business, or equivalent
• Proficient in financial systems and data analysis software; advanced knowledge of Excel/Sheets; SQL knowledge would be beneficial
• Strong financial modelling and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and provide actionable insights
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and confidently influence financial and non-financial stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively
• Meticulous attention to detail with a methodical and commercially driven approach
• Strategic mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making
• Strong business acumen and actively challenges the status quo
• A keen interest in technology, media and marketing

COMPANY BENEFITS

Croud operates a hybrid working model with a minimum of 3 days a week based in our London office and the remaining days from home if you wish.

Croud offers a clear path to progression for all members of staff. We are committed to offering development opportunities alongside a support system of regular performance reviews. The opportunities are endless!

On completion of the three-month probation period, every employee is eligible for the benefits listed on our careers site which include:

• 25 days holidays holiday per year with the option to purchase an additional 5 days
• Discretionary annual performance based incentive
• Sales Commission
• Sabbatical: Paid sabbatical at 7 years with an option to take it unpaid at 5 years
• Recruitment Referral Bonus
• Health & Wellbeing Contribution
• Ride to Work Scheme
• Railcard & Season Ticket Loan
• Home Office Equipment (chair and screen)
• Office Perks: Free fruit, breakfast cereals, lunches twice a week, snacks, and tea/coffee
• Enhanced Family Leave: Including primary and secondary family leave, extended parental leave, and shared family leave.
• Life Assurance & Income Protection
• Medical Cash Plan
• Pension
• Learning & Development: Access to Croud Campus, curated third-party learning platforms, and an IPA Membership with subsidised training and events
• Peer Recognition: Through our “Bonusly” program
• Team Off-Sites & Social Events
• Year-round Holiday Celebrations
• Flexible Working Options
• A Day to Make a Difference

Standard hours are from 9.00am to 5.30pm, there’s flexibility if agreed in advance with your line managers (it may also be necessary on occasions to work outside of these hours).

Croud is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. All candidates will be assessed based on merit, qualifications and their ability to perform the requirements of the role.

OUR VALUES

At Croud, our vision centres around the idea of unlocking potential. We do this by elevating everyone in an inclusive and progressive culture, empowering individuals to deliver their best work. This means we build better brand outcomes, and unlock potential for our people, our clients and our communities.

We live and breathe five core values that foster a culture where everyone can thrive. Our commitment to elevating each other is fundamental to both our cultural and business success. The ideal candidate will excel in and demonstrate the following:

• In it together - our value on integration, collaboration and outcomes
• Eye on the future - our value on futurism, creativity and passion
• Generous in spirit - our value on people, development and inclusion
• Do what you say - our value on integrity and accountability
• Make a difference - More than a value, this is our guiding principle. It ensures we   grow the right way, broadens our impact beyond Croud, and strengthens our purpose