Lead - Internal Partnership and Cost Management

About the Role

Introduction –

This is a high-impact opportunity to join OUP as a Lead, Internal Partnership and Cost Management. This role is ideal for finance professionals seeking to drive strategic transformation and operational excellence. You'll be part of a dynamic team that values innovation, efficiency, and collaboration. With a focus on finance transformation, cost optimization, and business partnering, this role offers a chance to influence key decisions and contribute to long-term growth. You'll also be involved in exciting projects like SAP S4HANA rollouts and supply chain initiatives, making it a forward-looking and rewarding position.

Opportunity –

In this role, you will:

• Drive month-end closing, analyze trends (revenue, margins, overheads), and monitor cost price movements.
• Partner with product and vertical heads to ensure efficient investment utilization, ROI tracking, and margin monitoring.
• Lead overhead planning for annual budgets and 5-year plans.
• Deliver finance transformation projects using technology to maximize impact.
• Ensure effective financial controls: GRIR review, vendor reconciliations, payments, POs, royalty accruals, tax computations, and employee reimbursements.
• Lead process improvements and automation in finance operations (Accounts Payable, Royalties, SAP workflows).
• Analyze cost structures and support commercial decision-making (pricing, margins, product mix).
• Deliver monthly balance sheet reconciliations and maintain control over the general ledger.
• Coordinate with procurement on cash flow planning and timely settlements.
• Play an active role in project rollouts (e.g., Supply Chain, SAP S4HANA).
• Partner with business units to evaluate performance of new initiatives.

Your contributions will directly support financial integrity, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making across the organization.

About You

Essential Criteria

• CA/CWA with 12+ years of experience.
• Proven experience in balance sheet reconciliations, accounts payable, budgeting, forecasting, and business decision support.
• Experience in a similar role within a large organization.
• Demonstrated success in finance operations transformation projects.
• Familiarity with ERP systems.
• Strong understanding of internal/external business environments and dynamics.
• Leadership experience with the ability to drive continuous improvement.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, especially with non-finance stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Excel (intermediate), Word, and Outlook.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach.

Queries

Please contact shariq.anwar@oup.com with any queries relating to this role.
To ensure a smooth application process, please submit your CV through the provided link rather than via email.