At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert financial guidance to support key decisions and drive performance improvement.
- Company: Join the Met Office, a certified Great Place to Work focused on environmental impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available and potential for permanent position.
- Why this job: Make a real difference to our planet while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in business partnering and financial advice.
The predicted salary is between 75957 - 75957 £ per year.
We're looking for an exceptional Finance Business Partner to help us make a difference to our planet. As one of our Finance Business Partners, the job may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in the office and part of the week from home. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and the location advertised will be your contractual place of work. Our opportunity is full time, 37 hours per week. Our people are at the heart of what we do and we'll do our best to agree a working pattern that works for everyone. Whilst this is a temporary position until 31 March 2028, there is potential for it to develop into a permanent position.
Your world of expertise: You will be a key part of our Finance Business Support Team and one of a team of Finance Business Partners supporting the Met Office and its Domains with expert financial guidance and insight to support key decisions at all levels, delivering outstanding outcomes for the Met Office and our customers. As a Finance Business Partner you are part of the Finance Business Support team who provide the Met Office with expert financial guidance, control and best practice to support key decisions at all levels to deliver the Met Office Strategy, Corporate Plan and Budget. This Finance Business Partner role will also play a key part in reviewing and simplifying our cost allocation model.
- Provide valuable financial advice and insight to help the Met Office make informed decisions on strategic initiatives and business cases.
- Understand the business and translate and present complex financial information in a clear and impactful way.
- Provide analysis, reports and insight on the financial position for the business area you support, to ensure performance targets are met.
- Challenge and influence financial plans and highlight the key issues, risks and opportunities to the budget holder.
- Maintain the financial control environment to ensure all areas of the Met Office are compliant with internal controls and external financial legislation.
Our work is life-changing, often life-saving and always life-enhancing. The Met Office is Great Place to Work UK certified. We are also featured on their 'Best Workplaces in Tech' 2023, 2024 and 2025 lists, as well as their '54 Best Workplaces for Women' 2023 list. As our Finance Business Partner, your total reward package will be up to £75,957 annually, which includes:
- An outstanding Civil Service pension, with an average employer contribution of 28.97%
- Annual Leave starting at 27.5 days (plus Bank Holidays) rising to 32.5 days (plus Bank Holidays) after 5 years and option to buy or sell up to 5 days per year of annual leave
Essential Criteria, skills and experience:
- Lead Criteria: Qualified accountant (CCAB or CIMA), with relevant post qualification experience working in a business partner role.
- Evidence of providing expert financial advice to Senior Managers dealing with complex financial issues and reaching appropriate business solutions.
- Excellent skills in clear, compelling communication to enable you to challenge and influence at a senior level.
- A demonstrable track record in managing and driving performance improvement and delivery of key finance processes, including financial modelling and allocations.
- Experience of leading and influencing teams to deliver key financial outputs.
The panel may perform a preliminary sift of the lead criteria as indicated above. Closing date 13/09/2026 at 23:59 with first stage interviews commencing from 21/09/2026. You will hear from us once the closing date has passed.
We understand that great minds don't always think alike and as an equal opportunities employer we welcome applications from those with all protected characteristics. We recruit on merit, fairness, and open competition in line with the Civil Service Code. We can only accept applications from those eligible to live and work in the UK - please refer to GOV.UK for information. We require Security clearance, for which you need to have resided in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years to be eligible, 2 of these years must be immediately preceding the point of your application.
Finance Business Partner employer: Met Office
The Met Office is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Corporate Risk Manager to contribute to world-changing work in a supportive and inclusive environment. With a strong focus on employee well-being, hybrid working options, and a commitment to professional development, we empower our staff to thrive while making a meaningful impact on climate intelligence. Join us and be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, all while enjoying a competitive reward package and generous leave entitlements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Met Office. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Met Office.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Met Office's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Met Office
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Met Office.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Met Office will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Met Office employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
