At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis for major capital programmes at the Natural History Museum.
- Company: Join the iconic Natural History Museum, a global leader in scientific research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27.5 days leave, flexible working, and discounts at local venues.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for leadership and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial decision-making in a prestigious institution.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong business partnering and financial modelling skills.
The Natural History Museum is one of the world’s most iconic visitor attractions and a globally respected scientific research centre. Home to over 80 million specimens, we are uniquely placed to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our planet today. Each year we welcome more than five million visitors, inspiring people to care about the natural world.
As we work towards our ambitious strategy leading up to our 150th anniversary in 2031, we are seeking a talented and driven finance professional to play a critical role in supporting major capital programmes and shaping financial decision-making across the organisation. This is a high-profile and impactful role where you will partner with senior stakeholders, providing insight, challenge and robust financial analysis to support both strategic and operational decisions.
About the Role
Reporting to the Head of Finance, the Senior Finance Business Partner will play a central role in supporting the Museum’s capital programmes, including the NHM150 portfolio. You will lead on financial planning, modelling and analysis, ensuring accurate and insightful reporting to support decision-making across complex, multi-year projects. Working closely with senior leaders, project teams and external stakeholders, you will act as a trusted advisor—bringing commercial insight, financial rigour and strategic thinking to drive successful outcomes. This role combines technical excellence, leadership and strong stakeholder engagement, with a clear focus on continuous improvement and organisational impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Planning & Analysis
- Lead financial support for major capital programmes, providing robust modelling and scenario analysis
- Deliver insightful analysis of costs, risks and opportunities to support strategic decision-making
- Produce detailed financial reports, including variance analysis and commentary
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Own the development and management of programme budgets and forecasts
- Oversee cashflow forecasting and ensure alignment with wider organisational financial planning
- Ensure accuracy of income, expenditure and accounting treatment across projects
- Business Partnering & Leadership
- Build strong relationships with project teams, senior stakeholders and external partners
- Act as a trusted advisor, providing clear and accessible financial insight
- Present financial information to both finance and non-finance audiences
- Line manage and develop two Finance Business Partners
- Governance & Continuous Improvement
- Support risk management processes, including financial risk and contingency planning
- Enhance financial processes, controls and reporting tools
- Collaborate with development teams on funding applications and financial reporting requirements
About You
We are looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with strong business partnering experience and a track record of supporting complex programmes or projects. You will bring:
- Significant experience in senior finance business partnering roles with large or complex budgets
- Strong financial modelling, analysis and advanced Excel skills
- Experience of working with senior stakeholders and influencing decision-making
- Proven ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-finance audiences
- Strong leadership skills, including experience managing and developing team members
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach with a commitment to continuous improvement
- Experience in the charity, museum or not-for-profit sector is advantageous but not essential.
Key benefits include:
- 27.5 days annual leave plus public holidays
- Defined contribution pension scheme (up to 10% employer contribution)
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Access to wellbeing support and employee assistance programmes
- Discounts across Museum shops, cafés and local venues
- Free or discounted access to museums and cultural institutions
- Enhanced family-friendly policies and support
Apply Now
Senior Finance Business Partner employer: Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at one of the world's most iconic institutions in South Kensington. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on professional development, the Museum fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers staff to make a meaningful impact on global challenges. As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you will not only contribute to significant capital programmes but also enjoy generous benefits, including 27.5 days of annual leave and a defined contribution pension scheme, making it a truly rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Natural History Museum on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Museum's recent projects and financial strategies. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also passionate about their mission and how we can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice articulating our financial insights clearly. Since this role involves presenting to non-finance audiences, let’s make sure we can break down complex information into digestible bits.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial planning and analysis, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills and business partnering experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen:In your application, be sure to demonstrate your strong financial modelling and analysis skills. Provide examples of how you've used these skills to influence decision-making in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural History Museum
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used financial modelling and analysis in past roles. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to provide insight and challenge decisions based on robust financial data.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role involves partnering with senior stakeholders, so practice how you’ll build rapport and communicate effectively. Think of specific instances where you've influenced decision-making or provided clear financial insights to non-finance audiences. Be prepared to discuss your approach to stakeholder engagement and how you can bring value to the Museum.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
You'll be managing and developing team members, so highlight your leadership experience. Prepare to discuss your management style and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Consider sharing examples of how you've fostered a culture of continuous improvement within your team.
✨Understand the Museum's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Natural History Museum's goals and challenges, especially as they approach their 150th anniversary. Be ready to discuss how your financial expertise can support their capital programmes and overall mission. Showing genuine interest in their work will set you apart from other candidates.
