Senior FP&A Business Partner in Southampton

Senior FP&A Business Partner in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 60750 - 74250 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The National Oceanography Centre

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support financial planning and reporting to drive impactful decision-making.
  • Company: Join the National Oceanography Centre, a leader in ocean research and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Dynamic workplace with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in marine science while advancing your finance career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in financial analysis and strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish. We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes. The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture. Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in strengthening FP&A capability across the National Oceanography Centre and supporting a more integrated, insight-led approach to financial planning and reporting. As Senior FP&A Business Partner, you’ll support annual budgeting, forecasting, longer-term financial planning, financial modelling and scenario analysis, helping senior stakeholders understand performance, risks, opportunities and future planning assumptions. Working closely with the Head of Reporting Transformation and teams across Strategic Finance, Strategic Business Development, science and operations, you’ll bring together financial, operational, pipeline and resource information to provide clear insight that supports costing, pricing, investment decisions and business planning. You’ll also play an important role in improving management reporting, planning processes and business intelligence outputs, helping to ensure information is consistent, reliable and focused on what stakeholders need to make informed decisions. This is a fantastic opportunity for a finance professional who wants to go beyond traditional reporting and play a key role in shaping how NOC uses financial and operational data to plan, understand performance and make better decisions.

You will be an experienced analyst, financial planning, management reporting and finance business partnering professional, with a strong track record of supporting forecasting, scenario analysis, matrix reporting and performance reporting. You’ll be confident producing clear financial analysis, insight and recommendations for senior stakeholders, turning complex financial, pipeline and resource information into meaningful management information. You’ll be comfortable providing constructive challenge, asking the right questions and using evidence to support better decision-making. You’ll be a collaborative and commercially minded finance professional, able to build strong relationships across finance, reporting, systems and operational teams. You’ll also have an interest in improving how financial planning and reporting is delivered, identifying opportunities to simplify, automate and make better use of data.

Why NOC?

  • 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
  • a 10% employer contribution pension scheme (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
  • Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services
  • financial support for relocation
  • a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
  • access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
  • access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
  • a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
  • a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
  • we are proud to be Living Wage Employer

This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points. We have a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard. Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic. There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability.

Senior FP&A Business Partner in Southampton employer: The National Oceanography Centre

The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in oceanographic research. Employees benefit from a generous pension scheme, comprehensive wellbeing support, and opportunities for professional growth while contributing to meaningful scientific advancements aboard world-class research vessels. Based in Southampton, NOC fosters a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring every team member's voice is valued as they tackle global marine challenges together.

The National Oceanography Centre

Contact Details:

The National Oceanography Centre Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior FP&A Business Partner in Southampton

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 The National Oceanography Centre. 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 Senior FP&A Business Partner in Southampton

Collaboration
Innovation
Discovery
Financial Planning
Planning
Reporting
Budgeting

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 National Oceanography Centre.

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 National Oceanography Centre'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 National Oceanography Centre

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 National Oceanography Centre.

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 National Oceanography Centre 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 National Oceanography Centre 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.