The Company
Christie’s, the world’s largest Art Business, is an incredibly exciting & enriching place to start or continue your career. Whether you work within one of our Specialist Art Departments, or in one of our more Operational teams, we are all working together with one common goal in mind: to continue the success of this 250 year old company, steeped in history, bringing fresh ideas whilst not forgetting our shared values; Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility & Relationships. Colleagues across all departments are truly passionate about what they do and it is inspiring to work with industry leaders across our business.
Why this role matters
The function of the Finance Business Partner is to work closely with the Global Finance Business Partner (FBP) for 20th/21st Century Art in providing a wide range of financial support to the Art Department (Department) and deliver the financial planning and reporting requirements for the Department and for Group FP&A with a focus on the EMEA region.
How You'll Make an Impact
Financial Planning & Reporting
Maintain an accurate view of the forthcoming sale pipeline (sales and profitability) and ensure this is accurately reported to the Department and Group FP&A
Complete the global monthly management reporting pack for the cluster explaining financial performance and highlighting risks and opportunities to the current forecast
In conjunction with the Global FBP, manage and complete the budgeting and forecasting process for the Department working closely with the Business Managers and Directors of the Department as well as the wider finance team and Group FP&A
Provide accurate and timely reporting of the financial results of sales with commentary focusing on underlying drivers of performance
Commercial Support
Provide analysis to support the department’s strategic decision-making such as margin trends by region, value level or art sub-category and trends vs. competitors
Support the Department’s evaluation of deal terms, after-sale offers and selling level decisions
Calculate and provide reporting on “selling the sale” upside opportunities and risks
Run pre-sale scenarios and, for certain sales, lot by lot breakeven analysis ensuring accurate cost assumptions are used
Support the Department’s understanding of sales and profit contributions of individual specialists
Undertake cost/benefit analysis to help ensure resources are allocated efficiently by the Department
Financial Control
Ensure material accuracy of sale and departmental GL actuals, reviewing results in detail and requesting accrual or other month end adjustments as required
Support the Department in their cost management, providing variance analysis and flagging potential overruns. Maintain and develop reporting in areas such as Travel & Entertainment and marketing spend
Encourage a strong financial control environment in the department, advising on and ensuring appropriate cost and revenue recognition and supporting the business in following Christie’s financial processes
What you'll bring to the team
Accounting degree or qualified accountant with 2-3+ years experience in a Finance Business Partnering role (or equivalent)
Highly intelligent, motivated & inquisitive with strong attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills - able to analyse data and present it in a clear, user-friendly format to stakeholders
Capacity to work efficiently and prioritize effectively in a high-pressure and fluid environment.
Ability to build highly effective relationships with internal stakeholders within finance and the business at all levels of seniority
Independently-minded individual with good ability to follow up and problem solve and to look for continuous improvement in processes, tools and reporting
Strong financial systems understanding ideally including ERP and performance management systems such as JDE/ Hyperion. Advanced Excel skills.
What’s great about working for us
25 days annual leave + 1 day Birthday leave
Christie’s Christmas office closure (guaranteed between 25th Dec – 1st Jan) – in addition to annual leave: almost two weeks to fully switch off and spend time with friends and family
Additional 1 week’s annual leave within the year of a 5-year anniversary i.e. 5th, 10th, 15th and so on
Volunteering day: Take an additional day of annual leave to volunteer for a charitable organisation that’s important to you
Donation matching of up to £500 per annum to help you support the organisations you care about
Flexible Fitness Fund - £400 per year expense allowance for health and wellness related activity (taxable)
Access to world-renowned art: with regular exhibitions in our galleries to wander around and exclusive guided tours hosted by specialist colleagues
Discretionary Bonus (dependent on the business and employee performance payable in March each year)
Generous retirement plan: We will double match your pension contribution up to 5% of your basic salary (Max 10% contribution from Christie’s)
Private Health Insurance: no employee contribution needed, subsidised for other family members (taxable)
Dental Insurance: (may be extended at personal cost)
Generous Income Protection Insurance in the event of accident, sickness or injury after 12 months of employment
Competitive Life Insurance policy from first day
Employee Assistance Programme: access to personal advice and support services including counselling
Eyecare vouchers (once a year)
Cycle to Work scheme
Christie’s Extras: discounts on over 800 retailers, holiday packages, dinners and weekly shops
Seniorcare by Lottie: a comprehensive eldercare solution
Robust family first policy:
16 weeks full pay on Maternity Leave
Family-friendly return to work: 80% work at full-pay for eight weeks post-Maternity leave to ease you back into work
Dependent back-up care: 10 sessions/ days of childcare or eldercare per year
Christie’s Family Network: Our community of parents who meet regularly over breakfasts, lunch, afternoon tea…
*Christie’s reserves the right to change company benefits at any time
Closing Date: Sunday 3rd May
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