At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategies and support the BBSRC Strategic Delivery Plan.
- Company: Join UKRI, a leader in research and innovation funding.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, flexible working, and an excellent pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant or equivalent experience required; strong leadership and communication skills essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; apply by 11th August 2025.
The predicted salary is between 46756 - 64500 £ per year.
£56,745 gross per annum
UKRI Band F
Full Time
Polaris House, Swindon (Hybrid Working)
Closing date: 11th August 2025
Job Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and proactive individual to join our team as a Senior Finance Business Partner. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to play a key role in supporting the BBSRC Strategic Delivery Plan. Additionally, they will drive transformational changes within the BBSRC Finance Business Partner team and wider UKRI Finance environment, leveraging new operating systems to support the overarching UKRI Strategy.
The main purpose of this role is to provide senior-level leadership and technical financial expertise to support the business. You will ensure that external stakeholders including Institute Management and Professional Partnersreceive high-quality service, oversee all assurance processes and support the Head of Finance on longer term financial planning and reporting.
About You
We are seeking candidates with proven experience of working within a complex operational environment, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including Senior Management and Professional Advisors.
The role involves close collaboration with many staff across the UKRI business, including strategically funded BBSRC Institutes, to provide robust support, advice and guidance on finance related matters. We are looking for an individual with strong communication skills, both verbal and written, as the role requires regular engagement with a wide range of external stakeholders at senior and operational levels.
The essential and additional desirable skills criteria required for this post will be assessed during both the Shortlisting (S) and Interview (I) stages.
(S) Shortlisting Criteria (I) Interview Criteria
Essential
Qualified Accountant (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA), or equivalent experience (QBE). (S&I)
Well-developed leadership, team management, organisational and motivational skills. (S&I)
Effective interpersonal and influencing skills. (S&I)
Ability to take a strategic view of financial issues. (S&I)
Ability to build trusting relationships with internal and external stakeholders, at all levels of an organisation and influence them with impact and professional credibility.(S&I)
Experience of working strategically to balance the conflicting demands of multiple stakeholders whilst protecting the integrity and ownership of financial processes. (S&I)
High level competency of IT systems and applications including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access, with a focus on strong Excel skills. (S&I)
Ability to provide insightful analysis on complex issues, communicating the key elements to effectively deliver projects and influence decision making at a strategic level. (S&I)
Experience of financial management and management reporting for complex organisations.(S&I)
To view the full job description please click apply and visit our careers page
Benefits
We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package! We are committed to supporting employees development and promote a culture of continuous learning! A list of benefits below;
- An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
- 30 days annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
- Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
- Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
- Flexible working options
Please click here for more details on theBenefits of working for UKRI UKRI
How To Apply
Applicants are required to provide an up-to-date CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role. Further information on how to apply is listed on our careers page.
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Senior Finance Business Partner - BBSRC employer: Innovate UK
Contact Detail:
Innovate UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner - BBSRC
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the BBSRC Strategic Delivery Plan and UKRI's overarching strategy. Understanding these frameworks will allow you to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of UKRI, especially those in finance roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when engaging with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex financial processes and stakeholder relationships in previous roles. This will showcase your ability to handle the demands of the Senior Finance Business Partner position.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your Excel skills, particularly advanced functions and data analysis techniques. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in this area will be crucial, as it is a key requirement for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Business Partner - BBSRC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as a qualified accountant and showcases your leadership and team management skills. Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to work in complex operational environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly outline how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the Senior Finance Business Partner role. Emphasise your strategic view of financial issues and your ability to build trusting relationships with stakeholders.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on instances where you have successfully managed financial processes and provided insightful analysis. Mention any experience you have with IT systems, particularly Excel, as this is crucial for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are essential for this senior role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Innovate UK
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate well-developed leadership and team management skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or influenced stakeholders to achieve financial goals.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in a clear and concise manner, as you will be engaging with both senior management and operational staff. Consider using the STAR method to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you've taken a strategic view of financial issues in previous roles. Think about specific instances where you balanced conflicting demands from multiple stakeholders while maintaining the integrity of financial processes.
✨Highlight Your Technical Expertise
Given the importance of IT systems in this role, ensure you can speak confidently about your high-level competency in tools like Excel. Prepare to discuss how you've used these tools to provide insightful analysis and support decision-making in complex organisations.