£75,000 - £80,000 per annum plus benefits
Reports to: Head of Finance
Directorate: Finance, Governance, Assurance
Contract: 6 Month Fixed Term Contract
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: Stratford, London
Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)
Closing date: 17 November 2026 23:55
Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
Recruitment process: 2 stage competency based interview
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. Cancer Research Horizons (CRH) is Cancer Research UK's innovation and commercialisation arm, helping turn world-class cancer research into new treatments, diagnostics and technologies that benefit patients. We're looking for an experienced finance leader on 6-month FTC to partner with CRH during an exciting period of growth and innovation. You'll provide strategic financial support across a diverse portfolio that includes venture investments, licensing agreements, spin‑outs and drug development opportunities. This is a unique opportunity to use your financial expertise to support the commercialisation of pioneering cancer research. You'll work at the intersection of finance, science and innovation, helping bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
What will I be doing?
- Act as the senior finance business partner and trusted adviser to Cancer Research Horizons.
- Lead financial planning, forecasting, reporting and long‑term modelling to support strategic decision making.
- Provide financial insight and challenge on commercial opportunities, including licensing deals, spin‑outs, venture investments and research commercialisation activities.
- Turn complex financial and commercial information into clear, actionable recommendations for senior stakeholders.
- Lead and develop a Finance Analyst, while providing guidance and support to the wider finance team supporting CRH.
- Build strong relationships across CRH and Cancer Research UK, influencing senior leaders and driving effective financial decision making.
- Monitor performance, identify trends and risks, and ensure financial plans remain sustainable and aligned to organisational priorities.
- Deputise for the Head of Finance on Cancer Research Horizons‑related matters when required.
What are we looking for?
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant post‑qualification experience.
- Strong finance business partnering experience, working with senior stakeholders in complex organisations.
- Experience within pharmaceuticals, biotech, scientific research, life sciences, healthcare innovation, venture investment or a related commercial environment.
- Proven expertise in financial planning, modelling, forecasting and performance reporting.
- Experience evaluating commercial opportunities such as licensing agreements, venture investments, spin‑outs or intellectual property commercialisation.
- Track record of leading and developing high‑performing teams.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly and confidently.
- A proactive, collaborative approach and the confidence to provide constructive challenge to senior leaders.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.
- Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
- Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
- Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
- Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high‑quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work‑life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.
We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under‑represented. We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We’re the world’s leading cancer charity, dedicated to saving and improving lives with our research. We work to reduce the impact of cancer on people’s day‑to‑day lives through our research, influence and information. We are beating cancer – step by step, day by day. Our work means that people with cancer live better lives through earlier diagnosis and kinder, more effective treatments. Find a purposeful career that will empower you to grow and collaborate with like‑minded experts.
Senior Finance Manager CRH employer: CANCER RESEARCH UK
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