FINANCE BUSINESS PARTNER – GATEWAY ASIA & SPECIAL PROJECTS

What you'll bring to the team

The Finance Business Partner will play a critical leadership role in providing financial insight and strategic support to the business. Partnering closely with senior stakeholders, this position involves collaborating with various business functions to drive financial performance, optimise business decisions, and support strategic objectives.

You will be responsible for delivering financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, while providing guidance on key financial initiatives. As a member of the Finance function at Merlin, this role is integral to how we collaborate across teams to achieve our business goals and deliver exceptional guest experiences. The Senior Finance Business Partner will act as a strategic conduit between the attraction leadership teams across Asia, regional team and the centres of excellence. Balancing day-to-day operational needs with long-term planning and innovation is key.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

Provide expert financial advice to senior leadership to guide business strategy and decision-making.

Lead financial planning processes, including annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting, ensuring alignment with business goals.

Develop and implement financial strategies that align with the objectives of central functions and Merlin’s overall business plan.

Financial Planning & Analysis

Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes for the attraction.

Deliver high-quality financial analysis, including variance analysis, trend reporting, and scenario modelling.

Develop and maintain robust financial models to support revenue planning and performance tracking.

Business Partnering & Commercial Support

Partner with attraction management team and commercial teams to provide financial insights and recommendations to drive revenue growth and cost efficiencies.

Collaborate with senior stakeholders to provide strategic financial guidance on pricing, profitability, and investment decisions.

Work with the regional teams to ensure best practices are implemented, maximising value.

Process Improvement & Reporting

Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and efficiency within financial operations.

Prepare insightful reports and presentations to communicate financial performance and key business drivers.

Support ad hoc financial projects and initiatives related to hotel operations and other revenue streams as required.

Performance Analysis and Insights

Drive financial performance analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks.

Develop actionable insights and recommendations to optimise operational efficiency.

Budgeting and Forecasting

Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process for central functions, ensuring alignment with company goals.

Monitor and report on budget performance, addressing variances proactively.

Cost Management and Optimisation

Identify cost-saving opportunities and support the implementation of initiatives to enhance value delivery and ensure resources are deployed effectively to maximise ROI.

Operational Excellence

Champion best practices in financial processes, leveraging technology and tools to drive efficiency.

Ensure compliance with internal policies and external financial regulations.

Qualifications & Experience

Experience and Qualifications

Qualified Accountant (CA, CPA, CICPA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) desirable, with significant post-qualification experience.

Proven experience in a finance business partnering role, ideally within a large, complex organisation.

Strong background in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic decision support.

Skills and Competencies

Exceptional business partnering and communication skills, with the ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders.

Advanced financial analysis skills, with a deep understanding of financial modelling and performance metrics.

Strong leadership abilities, with experience managing projects and leading financial initiatives.

Proficient in Excel and other financial software tools, with a solid understanding of ERP systems.

Benefits

Complimentary and unlimited access to Merlin attractions for you and loved ones

Global ticket allowances for Merlin destinations

Discounts on Merlin hotels, retail, and experiences

Employee Assistance Program

Paid annual and anniversary leave

Comprehensive health and dental coverage

Family medical coverage after one year of service

Pay Range

Competitive

At Merlin we welcome the world to our magical attractions and resorts every day and we want to reflect that same multicultural mix inside our business too. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse workplace where people can be themselves, have the same opportunities and thrive together. Because at Merlin, everyone matters!

Together, we work to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, no matter their age, race, gender, disability or sexual orientation. Although we understand that we'll always be learning and growing, we aim to be the most inclusive and flexible employer in our industry.