Job Title: Interim Assistant Finance Business Partner
Location: Cambridge, CB24 9AT
Salary: £37,000 per annum
Contract: 9-month fixed term contract
Working hours: 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Closing date: 30 October 2026
About the Role
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Interim Assistant Finance Business Partner to join our Finance team on a 9-month fixed-term contract. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious finance professional who is studying towards a professional qualification or has significant relevant experience and is looking to further develop their business partnering and financial analysis skills.
Working closely with our Senior Finance Business Partners, you will play a key role in supporting financial management across a diverse portfolio of projects and operational activities. You will help provide accurate financial information, prepare funding claims, support budgeting and forecasting processes, and act as a trusted finance contact for colleagues across the organisation. Your key responsibilities will include:
•Produce financial and cost analysis reports to support informed decision-making.
•Prepare grant funding claims and compile supporting audit evidence.
•Review project funding requests and financial proposals.
•Analyse and re-code project costs and income where required.
•Raise invoices accurately and in a timely manner.
•Prepare journals and supporting schedules for monthly management accounts.
•Assist with annual budgeting and periodic forecasting exercises.
•Support project managers with income recognition and project financial reporting.
•Maintain and update project information within our finance systems.
•Provide first-line support for finance system users and business queries.
•Assist with the preparation of information for financial and grant audits.
•Contribute to process improvements and support wider finance projects as required.
This interim opportunity offers valuable exposure to business partnering, project accounting, grant funding and management reporting within a collaborative and supportive finance team. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills, work with a wide range of stakeholders, and contribute to meaningful projects during a period of organisational growth and change.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
Essential Requirements
•Experience in a finance, financial analysis, management accounting, or business partnering environment.
•Good understanding of accounting principles, including debits, credits, accruals and provisions.
•Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including functions such as VLOOKUPs, SUMIFs and Pivot Tables.
•Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
•Strong communication skills with the confidence to work effectively with a range of stakeholders.
•The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
•A recognised accountancy qualification (AAT, ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent) or be actively studying towards one. Qualified by experience candidates are also encourage to apply.
Desirable Requirements
•Experience using Xledger or a similar ERP/finance system.
•Experience working with grant-funded projects or external funding claims.
We are looking for someone who demonstrates:
•Integrity, professionalism and accountability.
•A proactive approach to solving problems and improving processes.
•A collaborative and inclusive working style.
•A commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes and excellent customer service.
Location
The role is based at Niab’s Park Farm Campus, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9AT — just 4 miles from Cambridge city centre. The site offers free on site parking and is well connected by cycle routes and regular bus services to the city centre and railway station. It is also close to Junction 32 of the A14, with easy access to the M11, A10 and A11.
Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Mark Spraggins, Head of Finance ([email protected])
Click link below for the full Job Description.
Niab is the UK’s leading crop science organisation, with research capabilities in plant genetics, agronomy, farming systems and data science, the largest national field trials capability, and strong research links with industry, Government and academia. With headquarters in Cambridge, and regional offices across the country, employing over 350 people across the UK, Niab advances the role of plant genetic resources through research services and training. Niab’s position at the interface of academic research and commercial breeding offers opportunities for strong collaborations across the plant sciences sector.
Benefits include 25 days holiday plus public holidays and 3 days off during the Christmas period, generous sick pay, attractive pension scheme, income protection, life assurance, employee discount scheme and a comprehensive training program.
Niab actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have a positive approach to employing people living with a disability.
About the Application Process
Apply by clicking the Apply button above, please read the Job Description, which provide full details about the role, application process and what to expect.
Important Information
•This is a UK-based role. You will be required to demonstrate your right to work in the UK as part of the recruitment process.
•Where the role meets the relevant criteria, we are able to consider Skilled Worker visa sponsorship in line with Home Office requirements. Any offer of sponsorship will be subject to the role meeting the skill and salary thresholds and to the individual meeting the Home Office eligibility criteria.
•We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010.
•Niab reserves the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time
Interim Assistant Finance Business Partner in Cambridge employer: NIABHR
Niab is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Wymondham, Norfolk, where you can contribute to pioneering agricultural research while enjoying a balanced mix of field and office work. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including 25 days of holiday, and a culture that promotes equality and inclusion, Niab provides a rewarding opportunity for those passionate about advancing sustainable farming practices.
