At a Glance
- Tasks: Collaborate with Programme Directors to manage financial aspects of innovative R&D programmes.
- Company: Join ARIA, a pioneering R&D funding agency transforming the future through science and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days leave, hybrid work, and a supportive learning environment.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on groundbreaking projects that address societal challenges.
- Qualifications: ACCA/CIMA qualified with strong financial management and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 € per year.
Finance Business Partner Application Deadline: 5 June 2026
Department: Finance
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: London
Reporting To: Hannah Jende
Compensation: £70,000 / year
Description
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 challenges head on. Our success is shaped by one question: how will ARIA transform the lives of the UK’s future generations? Whether that’s a life‑changing new technology or a burgeoning new industry, it should be obvious that ARIA played a catalytic role.
Role Summary:
One of our first Finance Business Partners working closely with Programme Directors and the ARIA team to help shape and deliver programmes. Reports to the Finance Director and aids ARIA’s Programme Directors in the financial management of a number of ARIA Programmes. Includes pre‑award discovery and post‑award management, ensuring accurate and regular reporting and re‑forecasting of the programmes.
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 to inform cross‑portfolio insights
- Lead on adhoc projects that boost the Finance team in scaling to meet ARIA’s ambitions
Who you are
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 X, London
Equal Opportunity
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 is intended to provide ARIA with the best opportunity to support candidates and will have no negative impact on your recruitment process.
Finance Business Partner employer: Advanced Research & Invention Agency
At ARIA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in the heart of London. As a Finance Business Partner, you will have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research initiatives while enjoying a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth, with benefits such as hybrid working arrangements, generous annual leave, and enhanced family leave. Join us in shaping the future of technology and making a meaningful impact on society.
Contact Detail:
Advanced Research & Invention Agency Recruiting 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 as business partners. A casual chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching ARIA’s projects and values. Show how your skills in financial management can help them tackle challenges like climate change and AI. Tailor your answers to reflect their mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Finance Business Partner, you’ll need to convey complex financial data clearly. Mock interviews with friends can help you nail this down before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
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 experience in financial management and how it aligns with ARIA's mission. We want to see how you can contribute to our goals!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past roles that showcase your attention to detail, communication skills, and ability to manage multiple programmes. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to financial data and reporting!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advanced Research & Invention Agency
✨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 modelling. 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.
✨Build Rapport with Programme Directors
Since you'll be working closely with Programme Directors, practice building rapport during the interview. Think of ways to showcase your communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with different teams in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and adaptability. Think about situations where you've had to balance finance governance with programme priorities. Prepare to discuss how you navigated these challenges and what outcomes you achieved.
