At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide financial support and analysis for venue sales and development teams.
- Company: The British Academy, a leading institution for humanities and social sciences.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, 34 days annual leave, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on growth and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while supporting meaningful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance with an accounting qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
The British Academy – the UK's national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Finance Business Partner to join our Finance team in the Resources directorate, providing key financial support to business units within the Development team and our trading subsidiary Clio Enterprises Limited (Clio), whose primary purpose is venue sales in regard to our premises, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace.
The Finance Business Partner role works closely with other members of the Finance team and in particular business partnering with colleagues from Venue Sales and Development. The Finance Team is a friendly team, part of the Academy’s Resources Directorate comprising Finance, HR, IT and Facilities along with Clio. We take great pride in supporting our colleagues in the Academy, providing an accurate and prompt service to all customers to the department. This is a key opportunity to establish relationships and make an early positive impact.
A core duty of the role is to take the lead in financial management and reporting for both Clio and the Development team. This will include:
- Providing financial analysis and advice and working with colleagues from each team to monitor performance, return on investment, and achieve key financial targets.
- Supporting milestone tasks such as budgeting, forecasting and financial statements.
- Understanding day-to-day operational transactions to cover periods of absence of other colleagues, including the import of sales data to the finance system and ownership of the debtor ledger.
You will have previous experience of working within a finance team in a similar role with an accounting qualification (AAT or similar) being preferable. You will have a keen attention to detail as well as a proactive approach to problem solving in terms of planning, prioritisation and demonstrating resilience when faced with adversity. You will also be an effective communicator, being able to collaborate with both external and internal stakeholders.
The British Academy is the UK's national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today's complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas; engages the public with fresh thinking and debates; and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy. The Academy currently has five directorates: Communications & Marketing; Development; Policy; Research; and Resources, plus a small Governance & Fellowship Team.
Our senior management team have worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy, in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning & development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity & inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success, as we move forward and continue to grow.
Terms and conditions:
- 35-hour working week, with hours and location worked flexibly under our hybrid-working policy.
- 34 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
- A subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with our commitment to create a diverse and inclusive working environment, promote equal opportunity, and address under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.
Closing date: Noon on 21 August 2026.
Finance Business Partner employer: The British Academy
The British Academy is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that values the contributions of each team member within its dedicated publishing department. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth and development in the humanities and social sciences, all while working in a prestigious institution located in the heart of the UK. With a commitment to fostering a supportive environment, the Academy ensures that every Publishing Assistant can thrive and make a meaningful impact on the academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner
✨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.
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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 The British Academy. 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 Finance Business Partner
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 The British Academy.
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 The British Academy'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 The British Academy
✨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 The British Academy.
✨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 The British Academy 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 The British Academy 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.
