At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic finance initiatives in a dynamic tech environment, influencing key decisions.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking bank at the forefront of digital transformation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Develop leadership skills in a collaborative and innovative team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while working with cutting-edge technology and AI.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong finance and tech knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Join us in Digital X Technology to support and challenge the business in achieving its strategic goals by applying strong financial, cost and investment knowledge, alongside a strong understanding of technology, data and AI.
You’ll play a key role in managing the relationship between Finance and the Digital X business, partnering closely with our franchise Chief Information Officers, Data & Engineering, and the Chief AI Research Officer. It’s a chance to develop your leadership profile as you lead and manage a strategic finance team, while benefiting from valuable exposure and recognition in one of the bank’s most forward-looking and innovative areas.
What you'll do
- Ensure decisions are economically sound, aligned to strategic priorities, and deliver measurable value while maintaining strong financial control in a highly regulated environment.
- Shape and influence outcomes, applying a combination of commercial insight, financial acumen, and broader analytics, alongside a strong understanding of technology, digital platforms and AI-driven transformation.
- Act as a credible and trusted partner within a highly technical environment.
- Shape and influence the bank’s resource prioritisation choices, balancing growth, resilience, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency with a customer-first mindset.
- Provide insight and appraisal on key transformation initiatives, such as platform modernisation, cloud migration, and vendor strategies.
- Support long‑term financial planning, including understanding the impact of multi‑year investment roadmaps and run‑the‑bank vs change‑the‑bank trade‑offs.
- Translate complex technical and investment strategies into clear financial insights and implications.
- Own the oversight of the full P&L and balance sheet impacts of the technology cost base, for the areas you partner.
- Drive all business finance requirements, including month end requirements, strategic planning, functional reporting and insight requirements and ensuring the timely escalation of issues.
- Lead and develop a finance team and build strong relationships with Group and Franchise Finance teams as well as broader enterprise networks.
- Act as a trusted adviser in various forums across Digital X.
- Actively partner to ensure the business delivers on its financial and resource targets.
The skills you'll need
- Be a qualified accountant with strategic awareness and the ability to apply business and technical knowledge, expertise and challenge to support the business, particularly in a fast-evolving digital, data and AI landscape.
- Bring the credibility to engage and influence senior technology leaders, including the Group CIO and their leadership team, and the ability to translate between finance and technical domains to support better decision making.
- Have strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to communicate, influence and resolve conflict at executive level.
- Demonstrate deep experience of partnering with technology, digital, data or AI functions, with the ability to understand and influence management decisions in an increasingly fast paced environment.
- Have the ability to deal with ambiguity, uncertainty and risk in a dynamic, innovation-led environment.
- Possess strong finance functional knowledge, accounting knowledge and market segment knowledge.
- Have the ability to provoke and lead strategic change within senior executive and technology leadership teams.
- Be able to lead, motivate and develop a team of finance professionals and play an active role in leading on the Finance Function’s evolution.
Hours: 35
Job Posting Closing Date: 28/07/2026
Ways of Working: Hybrid
Strategic Finance Partner, Data and AI in Edinburgh employer: NatWest Group
Coutts & Co is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to join a leading Private Banking and Wealth Management firm during a pivotal growth phase. With a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development, employees are encouraged to influence strategic decisions while receiving support from senior leaders. The role of Managing Legal Counsel not only provides a platform for impactful legal work but also fosters an environment where innovation and efficiency are valued, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Finance Partner, Data and AI in Edinburgh
✨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 NatWest Group. 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 Strategic Finance Partner, Data and AI in Edinburgh
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 NatWest Group.
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 NatWest Group'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 NatWest Group
✨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 NatWest Group.
✨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 NatWest Group 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 NatWest Group 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.
