Senior Finance Manager - #144365

Company Description/ Business Unit

Location: Basingstoke – Hybrid – Three Days in Office

Employment Type: 6 Month FTC

Hours: Monday-Friday 36.25 hours per week

Salary: Competitive salary plus bonus and car allowance

Think the AA is just about roadside assistance? Think again!

As one of the UK's most trusted brands, we provide a wide range of services to millions of customers. From comprehensive Home and Motor Insurance to personalised Financial Services like Loans and Savings, and outstanding B2B, Consumer, Business Services, Driver Training, Car Care, and Service Maintenance and Repair, we've got you covered. Our mission is to keep Britain moving, and we're looking for dedicated individuals to join our team. Ready to join us?

This is the job

The AA is transforming how it manages costs and improves visibility across the business. While cost control and related disciplines may not sound thrilling, they are fundamental to high-performing organisations—and the AA is committed to being one of them.

This role is central to defining and implementing a new approach to cost capability and reporting. By ensuring that resources—money, time, and people—are used as effectively as possible, you will help the AA achieve its strategic objectives and drive the business forward.

What will I be doing?

Responsibilities

As a key member of the newly formed Group Cost Finance team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping cost capability and analysis at the AA. Your responsibilities will include:

• Driving Cost Insight – You will take direct ownership of developing capabilities to report, analyse, and provide valuable insight into the AA’s total cost base
• Creating Robust Cost Analysis – Developing and managing a suite of timely and detailed cost reports, including End-to-End P&Ls, cost category reporting, and productivity KPIs, to enhance understanding of the business’s financial landscape
• Enhancing Financial Systems – Working closely with the SAP team to propose improvements to financial systems, ensuring high-quality cost data is available for reporting
• Exploring Strategic Cost Solutions – Investigating wider system solutions that could enhance cost management, such as Anaplan or equivalent platforms
• Monitoring Key Cost Categories – Leading a business-wide process to track spending across major cost areas such as IT, staff, and marketing, while partnering with GEC & SLG members to deliver detailed, driver-based cost analysis
• Collaborating Across Finance and Business Units – Working with Finance teams and AA business units to align cost reporting, define allocation methodologies for End-to-End P&Ls, and ensure consistent treatment of GL codes
• Applying Advanced Allocation Techniques – Developing sophisticated allocation methods to ensure accurate cost reporting across various functions, including IT, Finance, HR, and Patrols, while liaising with stakeholders at all levels
• Engaging Leadership in Cost Discussions – Running workshops with the CFO and GEC members to ensure full alignment before reports are presented to the CEO
• Building Strong Stakeholder Relationships – Working effectively with key stakeholders, including GEC members, business leadership teams, Finance Directors, CEO, CFO, and COO
• Embedding a Cost-Conscious Culture – Driving an enterprise-wide approach to cost capability and fostering a culture that prioritises cost efficiency across the organisation
• Supporting Ad-Hoc Cost Projects – Contributing to various cost-related initiatives as they arise, ensuring the AA continuously improves its financial management practices
  
  

What do I need?

To Succeed In This Role, You Should Have

• Strong Excel and Analytical Skills – Ideally, with experience in financial modelling
• Commercial Acumen – The ability to link financial data with business insights to drive strategic decisions
• Cost Reporting Expertise – Experience in developing and implementing cost reporting and controls would be advantageous
  
  

Education, Qualifications And Experience

• This is a highly numerate and analytical role, requiring a fully qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, or ACA)
• You should have 5+ years of post-qualified experience in an FP&A environment, operations, or a cost discipline
• Experience working within a company of similar size and complexity would be beneficial
  
  

Your financial expertise and analytical skills will be instrumental in shaping the AA’s cost strategy and ensuring optimal resource management.

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.

As part of the onboarding process, we complete several pre-employment checks including work reference, credit and criminal record checks.

We may close the vacancy sooner than the advertised date if we get a high volume of applications, please apply now if you are interested.