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 and visitor engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27.5 days leave, flexible working, and discounts at museum shops and cafés.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for leadership and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial decision-making while supporting exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong business partnering experience and advanced Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
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
The Natural History Museum are partnering exclusively with Allen Lane and Iain Slinn on the recruitment of this role. Please reach out to Iain to discuss in more detail.
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 growth, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and access to wellbeing support, all while playing a pivotal role in shaping financial strategies that impact global conservation efforts. Join a collaborative and innovative work culture where your contributions will inspire millions and drive meaningful change.
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 your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in business partnering. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial modelling skills. Be ready to showcase how you've used these skills in past roles, especially in complex projects. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Senior Finance Business Partner role!
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, especially with complex budgets. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with senior stakeholders and your approach to continuous improvement.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing and developing team members, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. We love to see proactive and solutions-focused candidates!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us. Good luck!
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 support strategic decision-making.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
This role involves working closely with senior leaders and project teams. Before the interview, think about how you can establish rapport quickly. Practice discussing your approach to building relationships and influencing decision-making, as this will be crucial in your role.
✨Present Like a Pro
You’ll need to present complex financial information to both finance and non-finance audiences. Prepare a short presentation or summary of a past project where you successfully communicated financial insights. This will show your ability to make financial data accessible and engaging.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be managing and developing team members, be ready to discuss your leadership style. Think of specific examples where you've led a team or influenced others positively. Highlight your commitment to continuous improvement and how you've fostered that in your previous roles.
