At a Glance
- Tasks: Collaborate with Programme Directors to manage financial operations and support innovative R&D programmes.
- Company: Join ARIA, a pioneering R&D funding agency driving technological breakthroughs for societal benefit.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a supportive learning environment.
- Other info: Inclusive hiring approach; we welcome diverse candidates and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on future generations through cutting-edge research and technology.
- Qualifications: ACCA/CIMA qualified with strong financial management and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
Key Information
- Application Deadline: 5 June 2026
- Department: Finance
- Location: London
- Compensation: £70,000 / year
About ARIA
ARIA is a R&D funding agency created to unlock technological breakthroughs that benefit everyone. We fund scientists and engineers to pursue research at the edge of the possible. From climate change to AI, society faces enormous challenges and opportunities that can be uniquely addressed by science and technology. ARIA was created to activate the UK’s world-class R&D in new ways, so we can meet these head on.
Role Summary
You will be one of our first Finance Business Partners working closely with the Programme Directors and the wider ARIA team to help shape and deliver programmes. This role will report to the Finance Director and aid ARIA’s Programme Directors in the financial management of a number of ARIA Programmes. This will span programmes both in pre‑award discovery and post‑award management, and in each case you will ensure accurate and regular reporting and re‑forecasting of the programmes. Working as an integral part of a small team, and with significant exposure to ARIA’s Executives, you will help ARIA deliver professional excellence within its finance operations.
What You’ll Do
- Pre‑award (25%)
- Work alongside Programme Directors and their teams in capturing evolving requirements as they design, plan and implement the full delivery of the programmes
- Review funding applicants’ cost templates for consistency, accuracy and value for money
- Support the development of new funding models, including commercial analysis, granted to ARIA via its freedoms in the ARIA Act
- Post-award (50%)
- Build trusted and effective post‑award financial management support to Programme Directors
- Manage the relationship with external grant and contract recipients, ensuring that all invoice, reporting and audit requirements have been met
- Ensure that ARIA’s Programme Directors have visibility into reliable and transparent financial data on all Programme spend
- Execute accurate programme re‑forecasting models
- Other (25%)
- Boost the Finance team’s developing AI and automation initiatives
- Feed into ARIA’s evolving data roadmap, enabling the rich data collected from Creators can inform cross‑portfolio insights
- Lead on adhoc projects that boosts the Finance team in scaling to meet ARIA’s ambitions
Essential Criteria
- Highly numerate with a high level of attention to detail
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Experience of working as a business partner to multiple programmes or different business units
- Ability to balance the trade‑offs between Finance governance and programme priorities
- Background in external audit, commercial finance, financial accounting or management accounting
- High level of budgeting/forecasting or FP&A experience
- Ability to manage own workload and priorities
- Adaptable mindset and comfortable with working in a fast changing environment within a small, highly‑performing team
Qualifications
Fully qualified (ACCA/CIMA or equivalent)
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of building financial plans with scenario planning
- Worked in mission‑compelled organisations that frequently require trade‑off decisions, including third sector
- Comfortable with working in new scenarios with an adaptive mindset
- Experience working within Finance governance structures, including internal and external audit and Audit Committees
- Has used a diverse range of systems associated with start‑ups and scale‑ups, including Google suite and data visualisation systems such as Tableau or Power BI
Benefits
- 27 days annual leave provision, with the option to buy/sell additional days
- Hybrid working arrangements; 60% in office / 40% at home
- Supportive environment for learning and development opportunities
- Enhanced family leave arrangements
- A free and confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme
- Life Assurance
- 2 days of paid volunteer days
- 5% defined contribution pension scheme with Smart Pension
- Cycle to Work scheme
- An excellent office location in Kings Cross, London
Inclusive Hiring
Not sure you meet 100% of our criteria? Don’t worry! If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We want to attract the broadest array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to the field, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interests and what you hope to bring to this role.
If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please notify us and we will make every effort to accommodate you. Disclosing any requests are intended to provide ARIA with the best opportunity to support candidates and will have no negative impact on your recruitment process.
ARIA adopts a highly considered approach to ethical and social responsibility.
Finance Business Partner employer: Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA)
ARIA is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where Finance Business Partners play a pivotal role in shaping impactful programmes. With a strong commitment to employee growth, ARIA offers extensive learning opportunities, hybrid working arrangements, and a supportive environment that values diverse experiences. Located in the vibrant Kings Cross area of London, employees enjoy a competitive benefits package, including generous annual leave, enhanced family leave, and a focus on work-life balance.
Contact Details:
Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance sector, especially those who work at ARIA or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to finance business partnering. Think about how your experience aligns with ARIA's mission and be ready to share specific examples of your past successes.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your adaptability! ARIA is looking for someone who thrives in a fast-changing environment. Be ready to discuss times when you've successfully navigated change or tackled unexpected challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with ARIA's mission and the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of jargon. Use straightforward language to demonstrate your ability to convey complex financial information effectively.
Highlight Your Financial Expertise:Don’t forget to emphasise your background in finance, especially any experience with budgeting, forecasting, or working as a business partner. This will show us that you have the necessary skills to support ARIA’s Programme Directors.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA)
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your numerical prowess. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss budgeting, forecasting, and financial management strategies. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed finances or improved financial processes.
✨Understand ARIA's Mission
Familiarise yourself with ARIA's goals and the impact of their funding on technological breakthroughs. Be prepared to discuss how your role as a Finance Business Partner can contribute to these objectives. Showing genuine interest in their mission will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to balance finance governance with programme priorities. Think of scenarios where you've had to make tough decisions or trade-offs in your previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves working closely with Programme Directors and external stakeholders, strong communication skills are essential. Practice articulating complex financial information clearly and concisely. Consider preparing a brief presentation on a financial topic relevant to ARIA to demonstrate your ability to convey information effectively.
