Senior Finance Advisor

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew, we craft and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

The FP&A Centre of Excellence (COE) at Smith & Nephew is dedicated to providing quality insights and performance management, supporting the company’s mission of delivering "Life Unlimited" to stakeholders. It operates as a special, coordinated FP&A organization, encouraging teamwork and efficient processes. Within the COE, the International Business Unit Cluster FP&A Senior Advisor is key in offering decision support and insights to senior leadership for specific business units across regions like Europe and Asia, partnering closely with finance business partners on core FP&A and commercial activities.

The role involves handling budgets, forecasts, and appraisal cycles while collaborating with Controllers and GBS for comprehensive finance delivery. Success requires a strong process orientation, the use of technology, and effective communication skills. Reporting to the FP&A Director, this senior position demands flexibility, enterprise-first thinking, and a collaborative mindset. It focuses on detailed analysis and high-level stakeholder engagement without direct people management responsibilities.

What will you be doing?

The role involves crafting insightful reports to aid decision-making, leading performance appraisal cycles, and conducting in-depth financial analysis to identify opportunities and risks. It supports commercial teams in understanding market trends, aids in tender preparation, and assists finance business partners across various FP&A and commercial activities. The role is also responsible for consolidating budgeting, forecasting, and actuals, ensuring financial targets are met, and coordinating cross-business unit activities when needed. Effective collaboration and comprehensive financial analysis are key to supporting strategic decisions and projects.

This role aims to enhance FP&A processes through the use of standard methodologies, improving data quality, and adopting digital tools for increased efficiency and insights. It requires actively promoting a culture of change, ensuring compliance with information management and SOX controls, and supporting organizational realignment by establishing robust processes and aiding business transition.

What will you need to be successful?

The ideal candidate should hold a degree with a professional accounting qualification such as CPA, CIMA, or ACCA, and possess a minimum of 10 years of experience, including at least 3 years in a senior finance or director role. They should have a background in supporting senior leadership teams, developing strategic plans, and handling budgets and forecasts within commercial or manufacturing environments. Familiarity with consolidation and BI systems, particularly HYPERION HFM/COGNOS, and knowledge of tax, regulatory jurisdictions, and intercompany charging are essential.

Key proficiencies include significant strategic, numerical, and analytical skills, with attention to detail and the ability to foster a high-performing culture. The candidate should demonstrate leadership capabilities in leading teams, driving transformation, and navigating change management. Excellent communication skills are essential for influencing senior stakeholders, along with the ability to work independently on multiple initiatives and process sophisticated data. A passion for continuous learning and the confidence to challenge business practices when needed are also vital traits. Proficiency in English is required.