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 technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, hybrid working, 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.
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 in London 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 not only contribute to groundbreaking research funding but also enjoy a range of benefits including hybrid working arrangements, generous annual leave, and robust support for professional development. Our commitment to employee well-being and growth, combined with our mission-driven focus, makes ARIA a truly rewarding place to advance your career.
Contact Detail:
Advanced Research & Invention Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance sector, especially those who work as business partners. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching ARIA and its programmes. Show us you understand our mission and how your skills can help shape the future of R&D funding. Tailor your answers to reflect our values!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial management scenarios. Be ready to discuss how you've handled budgeting, forecasting, and working with multiple programmes. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at ARIA.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner in London
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 hold back on showcasing your numeracy and attention to detail. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and forecasts effectively. We love seeing real-life applications of your skills!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
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 experience 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 handle trade-offs between finance governance and programme priorities. Think of scenarios where you've had to make tough decisions and how you balanced competing interests. This will showcase your adaptability and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working closely with Programme Directors, effective communication is key. Practice articulating complex financial information clearly and concisely. Consider preparing a brief presentation on a financial topic relevant to ARIA, demonstrating your ability to convey important data effectively.
