Lead Finance Business Partner in Edinburgh

Lead Finance Business Partner in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 78469 - 78469 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The University of Edinburgh

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial strategy and provide insights to support the College of Science & Engineering.
  • Company: Join the University of Edinburgh, a leader in education and research.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
  • Other info: Open to part-time and hybrid working arrangements.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on financial sustainability while leading a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in finance and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 78469 - 78469 £ per year.

Grade UE09: £63,606 – £78,469 per annum, pro rata if part time

CSG / Finance Directorate

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Open-ended (permanent)

Your next step starts here. Be part of something bigger, make a meaningful impact.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Lead Finance Business Partner to join our team working with the College of Science & Engineering. This role will work closely with the senior management of the College to provide strategic insight, analysis and advice enabling the delivery of high-quality, accurate financial forecasting and reporting on performance to support the ongoing financial sustainability of the University.

This role is a key management/leadership position within the business partnering team, setting direction and development for a team of business partners and advocating the consistent application of finance policy and procedures across the College.

Full-time; we are also open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns and requests for hybrid working that combines remote and on-campus work.

How To Apply

Please include the following documents in your application:

  • CV
  • Cover letter outlining how your experience is relevant to this role

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages. On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 1st July 2026. Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm (UK time). Interview dates will be confirmed; interviews will be held in person.

Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award and is a member of the Race Equality Charter and a Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion. We promote an inclusive environment for all staff.

About the Finance Department

The Finance Department is responsible for the effective financial management, stewardship and long-term financial health of the University, which has a turnover in excess of £900m per year. It provides expert financial guidance for key decision-making and ensures the effective provision of services and information for the financial conduct of the University's business.

Lead Finance Business Partner in Edinburgh employer: The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration within the College of Science & Engineering. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and a supportive culture that values strategic insight and leadership in finance. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying competitive remuneration and the opportunity to contribute to the financial sustainability of a prestigious institution.

The University of Edinburgh

Contact Details:

The University of Edinburgh Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Finance Business Partner 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 The University of Edinburgh. 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 Lead Finance Business Partner in Edinburgh

Financial Forecasting
Financial Reporting
Strategic Insight
Performance Analysis
Team Leadership
Business Partnering
Finance Policy Application

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 University of Edinburgh.

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 University of Edinburgh'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 University of Edinburgh

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 University of Edinburgh.

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 University of Edinburgh 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 University of Edinburgh 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.