At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with departments to turn financial data into impactful insights.
- Company: Join the Royal Academy of Arts, a historic and iconic institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy enhanced holiday, pension contributions, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive, inclusive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of art while working on high-profile exhibitions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong Excel skills and project leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Please note that this role is being offered on a 6 month fixed term contract.
The Royal Academy of Arts is currently looking to recruit a commercially minded, curious Senior Finance Analyst (Finance Business Partner) to join us on a 6 month fixed term contract, at an exciting time for the organisation as it absorbs a new leadership team and drives a new strategy. As the Senior Finance Analyst, you will partner directly with our Brand & Audiences, Operations & Enablement and Executive departments, turning numbers into insight that will shape real decisions and be part of the development of the RA’s future strategy.
This is a great opportunity to bring your financial expertise into one of the UK's most iconic arts institutions, working on high-profile exhibitions and audience initiatives that reach hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. You will get broad exposure across commercial and strategic finance, direct access to senior leadership, and the satisfaction of seeing your analysis genuinely shape decisions.
About You
To be considered for this role, you will be a qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA or equivalent) with at least two years’ post qualification experience or be qualified by substantial relevant experience. You will have excellent technical accounting and advanced excel skills and a proven track record of leading projects. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast paced, complex environment and be able to communicate confidently with senior stakeholders. You will be comfortable challenging the status quo, be able to demonstrate resilience and sound judgement as well as have a genuine interest in the visual arts.
Please note, in line with the RA’s Agile Working Policy, you will be expected to work on site 3 days per week.
The Company
The RA dates way back to 1768 when a group of artists and architects persuaded King George lll to help them to ‘establish a society for promoting the Art of Design'. The original academy, in Pall Mall, was less than 10 meters long. Since then, there have been many changes, though the RA’s core purpose of bringing art and design to a broad audience and championing art and artists still holds true. Today we are a contemporary art organisation hosting internationally acclaimed exhibitions and through investment in employee training and development, with courses such as Unconscious Bias, LGBTQ+ Awareness, Bystander, and Mental Health First Aid training, we are striving to foster a safe space for everyone through positive action. We also have Employee Network Groups, Ways In Groups, and an Employee Council so every employee has a voice and a way to feel heard by colleagues through the CEO. The RA is truly a unique place, both as an attraction to our visitors, but also as a workplace. Our people are at the heart of all we do, and we support a broad and inspiring mix of departments; from exhibitions, curators, art handlers, researchers, publishers, and digital to schools and education, visitor welcome, fundraisers, and corporate support.
The Benefits
- Exhibitions: Reciprocal Agreements with galleries across the UK
- Enhanced Pension: Generous employer contributions
- Enhanced Holiday: 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Wellbeing: Access to a virtual GP Service and Mental Health First Aiders
- Agile Working: The opportunity to work flexibly
- RA Staff Council: Where your views are heard and listened to
- Employee Clubs: Football, Staff Choir and more
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner (FTC) in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner (FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Royal Academy of Arts. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Royal Academy of Arts confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Academy of Arts
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Royal Academy of Arts.
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Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
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For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Royal Academy of Arts that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
