Senior Finance Business Partner – Research

The Royal Institute of International Affairs is an independent policy institute based in London. Our mission is to help build a sustainably secure, prosperous, and just world through improvement in international relations.

After years of rapid growth, we need to consolidate and simplify our internal organisation and take a clear, strategic look at our priorities and the balance between costs and income (which includes donations, grants and memberships) and modernise our financial systems and processes. To support this, we seek a qualified Senior Finance Business Partner who will play a key part in delivering the change we are working towards. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, you will lead the financial management of our research projects, working closely with research teams and overseeing the work of Research Finance Business Partners. This role will ensure the effective allocation of resources, compliance with funding requirements, and provide strategic financial insights to drive research excellence. You will support the streamlining of our internal processes and the modernisation of our financial systems. This role is pivotal in ensuring the financial health and operational efficiency of the institute.

We are an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics. We encourage applications from all backgrounds. If there is anything we can do to improve your experience or support you, please get in touch at HR@Chathamhouse.org.

Key Responsibilities

• Delivery and Strategy
• Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee the financial management of research projects, including budget planning, forecasting, and monitoring.
• Provide insightful variance analysis where actual results do not align with expected budgets and forecasts.
• Prepare accurate monthly management accounts and financial reports tailored to research projects and stakeholders.
• Support the Head of Finance with financial accruals and income recognition for management accounts.
• Support and input into the preparation of the annual statutory accounts by taking responsibility for producing certain disclosures and analyses.
• Ensure compliance with funding agency guidelines, grant conditions, and regulatory standards.
• Coordinate financial audits related to research grants and funding bodies and provide audit schedules as necessary.
• Support the implementation of a new finance system and ensure processes are efficient.
• Develop and monitor strong financial controls across all processes and report any exceptions to the Head of Finance.

• Collaborate with research colleagues to develop detailed project budgets and forecasts, aligning financial resources with research objectives.
• Support the preparation of grant proposals by providing financial insights and budgetary guidance.
• Monitor actual project spending and income against budget and forecast, identifying and addressing variances.

• Analyse financial data to provide insights that enhance decision-making for research programs.
• Manage grant funds, including the allocation, tracking, and reporting of expenditures.
• Assist in the development of financial strategies to maximise research funding and sustainability.

• Act as a business partner to research colleagues, assisting them in analysing and interpreting their numbers, producing accurate forecasts and budgets and responding to ad-hoc queries.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor direct reports, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture.
• Promote financial literacy across the organization, equipping non-financial staff with key insights.
• Actively contribute to the delivery of the Chatham House EDI strategy.

Key Requirements:

• Essential Skills & Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with post-qualification experience in a research-focused environment.
• Proven track record of strategic financial management and business partnering.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis in complex organisations.
• Demonstrated experience in managing research project budgets, grants, and funding compliance.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Familiarity with research funding agencies and grant management processes.
• Experience managing and developing finance teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior leadership and external partners.
• Proactive and self-motivated approach, coupled with excellent communication skills.
• The ability to work accurately and continuously maintain high standards.
• High proficiency in Excel and familiarity with financial systems.

• Experience in the not-for-profit or academic research sector.
• Familiarity with financial systems such as Microsoft Great Plains.

Benefits

Benefits include approximately 37 days annual leave (including public holidays and Chatham House closure days), pension salary exchange, employee assistance programme, parental leave, flexible working and other benefits designed to suit your lifestyle. All of this, in a professional, engaging and intellectually stimulating environment.

Salary: £70,000 per year.

Contract: Full-time, Permanent.

Location: Hybrid (Office/Home), minimum 2 days in the office per week.

Closing Date: Due to the urgency of this role, we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged, as the advert will be closed once suitable candidates have been identified.