At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial practices and assist in budgeting and forecasting processes.
- Company: Join Alzheimer’s Research UK, the leading dementia research charity in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a competitive salary, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the charity sector while growing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified accountant or equivalent experience with strong Excel skills required.
- Other info: Work 2 days a week in the office; diverse and inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 19200 - 28800 £ per year.
We are seeking a proactive and analytical Assistant Finance and Operations Business Partner to join our Finance team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to grow their career in financial management within the charity sector. As an Assistant Finance and Operations Business Partner, you will work alongside the different directorates of the Charity, providing financial information, tools, analysis and insight. You will work closely with all areas of the Charity, forming good relationships with stakeholders, providing financial support and analysis and explaining finance processes to non-finance staff. You will have a good understanding of basic accounting and be able to explain concepts such as accruals and prepayments to non-finance colleagues in a clear and practical manner. You will provide organised and timely routine assistance to colleagues around the business on a variety of topics and will be well-informed on Finance team processes to do this effectively. You will support the Finance and Operations Business Partner in facilitating communication and support between Finance and the wider organisation, ensuring that Finance is always at the forefront of any decision making. In a period where Alzheimer’s Research UK is looking to continue to grow, you will be key in making sure that financial and other operational impact is considered at all times.
Main duties and responsibilities of the role:
- Support the implementation of best financial practices.
- Facilitate communication between Finance and non-Finance teams.
- Process the quarterly financial forecasts and annual budgets using Excel and Microsoft Business Central.
- Assist in the budgeting and forecasting processes, liaising with budget holders to ensure accuracy and engagement.
- Produce and update reports and graph analysis using Jet excel reports and Power BI.
- Support preparation of the monthly management reports and commentary by preparing initial statement of figures, proofreading the work of others and adding any information obtained through meetings with stakeholders.
- Administrate and track access to finance system.
- Provide financial training to operational stakeholders as required, to enhance financially sound decision making across the organisation.
- Act as a conduit between Corporate Services and the rest of the organisation to ensure that all operational aspects are consulted and considered before decisions are made.
- Lead on established finance onboarding processes and assist in continuous improvement of onboarding.
- Create clear and engaging finance documentation aimed at non-Finance users in collaboration with the Finance and Operations Business Partner.
- Help maintain financial controls and ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulatory requirements.
- Be the first port of call for business partnering team queries.
- Attend business partnering meetings, keep records and follow up on agreed actions.
- Partner teams on small project financial reviews and reporting, e.g. Reporting ROI on an activity and working with business to ensure accuracy.
- Opportunity to gain broader finance experience through training on and occasionally covering core Finance team member tasks.
- Opportunity to take responsibility for business partnering on smaller budgets.
What we are looking for:
- Part-qualified accountant or equivalent experience.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including an advanced knowledge of Excel, with an understanding of functions used to sort, summarise and check data.
- Working knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
- Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and numeracy skills.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to problem solve.
- Ability to build constructive relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to communicate effectively to colleagues at all levels across the Charity.
- Ability to interpret information and prioritise what is important.
- Proactive and friendly attitude.
- Methodical and adaptable approach.
Additional Information:
As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.
Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals. This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.
Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
Salary: Circa £32,000 per annum, plus benefits.
Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information. The closing date for applications is the 15th June 2025, with interviews being arranged once shortlisting has been completed. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK. As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality.
How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.
Assistant Finance & Operations Business Partner employer: Alzheimer's Research UK
Contact Detail:
Alzheimer's Research UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Finance & Operations Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the charity sector, especially Alzheimer’s Research UK. Understanding their mission and values will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, particularly functions related to data analysis and reporting. Being able to showcase your proficiency in tools like Jet excel reports and Power BI can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you would facilitate communication between finance and non-finance teams. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully explained complex financial concepts to non-financial colleagues.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Alzheimer’s Research UK if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview preparation.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Finance & Operations Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance and operations. Emphasise any roles where you've supported financial processes or worked with stakeholders, as this is crucial for the Assistant Finance & Operations Business Partner position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the charity sector and how your skills align with the role. Mention specific examples of how you've communicated financial concepts to non-finance colleagues, as this is a key responsibility of the job.
Showcase Technical Skills: Highlight your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and any experience with financial software like Microsoft Business Central. Provide examples of how you've used these tools for budgeting, forecasting, or reporting in previous roles.
Demonstrate Relationship Building: Include examples in your application that showcase your ability to build constructive relationships with stakeholders. This could be through collaborative projects or instances where you facilitated communication between finance and non-finance teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alzheimer's Research UK
✨Understand Financial Concepts
Make sure you have a solid grasp of basic accounting principles, especially concepts like accruals and prepayments. Be prepared to explain these in simple terms, as you'll need to communicate effectively with non-finance colleagues.
✨Showcase Your Excel Skills
Since the role involves processing financial forecasts and budgets using Excel, be ready to demonstrate your proficiency. Brush up on functions that sort, summarise, and check data, and consider bringing examples of reports you've created in the past.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
The ability to form constructive relationships is key. Think about how you can demonstrate your interpersonal skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different teams or stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and organisational skills. Prepare scenarios where you've had to manage multiple tasks or resolve conflicts, and be ready to discuss how you prioritised and communicated effectively in those situations.