Finance Business Partner, R&D (Sports & Orthopedics)

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

As a Finance Business Partner, you will collaborate directly with R&D leadership teams across Sports Medicine and ENT, Orthopedics, and Robotics. You'll drive financial planning, reporting, and analysis to support the R&D franchise leaders, ensuring accurate, meaningful data for decision-making. This role combines strategic business partnering with hands-on execution to support critical financial goals.

What you will be doing?

• Provide strategic financial partnership to R&D leadership, delivering monthly expense reports, variance analyses, and proactive expense management.
• Lead period-end reporting, forecasting, and budgeting cycles, explaining variances and identifying risks and opportunities.
• Conduct ad-hoc financial analyses, including modeling, dashboard creation, and variance analysis.
• Support month-end close activities, such as journal entries, cost center reporting, executive presentations, and account reconciliations.
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and SOX requirements.
• Collaborate on process improvements and introduce innovative perspectives to financial operations.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and a focus on building strong business relationships.

What will you need to be successful?

• Bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field (professional qualifications such as ACCA, ACA, or CMA preferred).
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in finance, ideally in the healthcare or medical device industry.
• Expertise in financial modeling, P&L impact analysis, and balance sheet/cash flow management.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., VLOOKUP, SUMIF, and pivot tables) and working knowledge of Word and PowerPoint.
• Experience with SAP, Business Objects, and HFM systems is highly desirable.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.