Senior Finance Manager

Company Description/ Business Unit

Job Title: Group Cost Finance Manager

Location: Basingstoke

Company: The AA

Contract: 3-6 Month Fixed-Term Contract

Additional Benefits: Annual Bonus, Car Allowance & Private Medical Insurance

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This is the job

About Us: The AA is committed to enhancing cost management and visibility across the business. Effective resource utilisation is crucial for high-performing businesses, and we aim to excel in this area. This role is central to defining and implementing a new approach to cost capability and reporting, ensuring optimal use of our resources to achieve strategic objectives.

What will I be doing?

Key Responsibilities:
• Develop and manage robust cost analysis to understand the AA’s cost base, including End-to-End P&Ls, cost category reporting, and productivity KPIs.
• Lead a group-wide process to monitor and control spend across key cost categories (e.g., IT) with stakeholders to enhance cost visibility and optimization.
• Collaborate across other Finance teams and AA business units to align cost reporting and determine appropriate allocation methodologies.
• Work closely with key stakeholders, including GEC, business leadership teams, Finance directors, CEO, CFO, and COO.
• Implement an enterprise-wide approach to cost capability and foster a cost-conscious culture.
• Participate in ad-hoc cost-related projects as needed.

Individual Behaviors:
• Think Impact: Focus on outcomes and priorities, not just short-term impact or busy work.
• Own It: Take responsibility for delivery, find solutions to blockers, and manage stakeholders effectively.
• Back Each Other: Trust experts, celebrate team successes, and address tough conversations when needed.
• Push for Better: Be ambitious, seek external inspiration, and strive for continuous improvement.

Leadership Behaviors:

• Reward impact against priorities and encourage a focus on outcomes.
• Support and challenge teams to drive accountability and make decisive decisions.
• Put the AA first, support cross-functional collaboration, and model effective communication.
• Balance short- and long-term focus, encourage big thinking, and seek external inspiration.

Managing a Team:
• Provide clear direction and expectations.
• Communicate effectively, understanding team communication styles and the “why” behind tasks.
• Set clear, attainable, and measurable objectives, holding the team accountable while providing support.
• Address underperformance with clear expectations and necessary support.
• Ensure the team has the right skills and capabilities, clarifying roles and responsibilities.

What do I need?

Qualifications and Experience:
• Fully qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) with significant post-qualification experience in FP&A or a similar cost discipline.
• Strong Excel and analytical skills, ideally with financial modelling experience.
• Business and commercial acumen to link financial input with business insight.
• Experience in developing and implementing cost reporting and controls is advantageous.

Personal Characteristics:
• Strong balance of financial skills and commercial acumen.
• Organized, logical, and fact-based.
• Resilient, able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a can-do attitude.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Team-focused, capable of building and developing team members.

Additional information

We’re always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA team, you’ll have access to a range of benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme
• Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
• Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friends
• Discounts on AA products including car and home insurance
• Employee discount scheme that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and more
• Company funded life assurance
• Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family
Plus, so much more!

We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change