At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide finance expertise and partner with stakeholders to enhance decision-making.
- Company: Join UKRI-MRC, a leader in research funding and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, London allowance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working options and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial management in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong finance and reporting experience.
The predicted salary is between 46164 - 53418 £ per year.
Salary: £46,164 - £53,418 plus London Allowance (£5,560). 1‑Year fixed‑term (Sabbatical Cover) | Full Time | Location: Hammersmith, London. Closing Date: 28 June.
Purpose of the Post
Provide dedicated finance expertise, insight and business partnering to UKRI‑MRC, working closely with stakeholders to add financial awareness to decision making and deliver outcomes that are in line with Council and UKRI priorities.
Key Skills
- Leadership/Teamwork/Collaboration: Build & maintain strong working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders. Provide insight and advice to promote and support the effective financial management of programmes. Support effective longer‑term decision‑making and deliver outcomes in line with Council/UKRI priorities. Understand the dependencies, challenges and opportunities across the different funding streams available to LMS. Identify and realise opportunities for improvement, change and efficiency within Finance, strengthening internal controls & financial analysis and streamlining processes. Promote a culture of teamwork, supporting Finance colleagues to deliver effectively for stakeholders. Work with colleagues to ensure the Finance team provides relevant and accurate financial information, advice and constructive challenge. Deputise for Head of Finance as required.
- Delivery / Programmes / Projects / Process: Support the Finance team to deliver effective financial support and partnering. Work with direct reports to focus on 'value‑add' activity. Understand the regulations, opportunities and limits of all relevant funding streams and ensure income and expenditure is accounted for & reported accurately and appropriately. Ensure compliance with UKRI, BEIS and HMG financial controls. Be responsible for internal & external reporting, from monthly management accounts to UKRI corporate returns. Have oversight of grant applications and reporting, working collaboratively with Imperial College London colleagues. Review and approve/ sign‑off monthly reporting activities/processes, including journals, expenses, requisitions and recharge calculations. Lead on asset verification, capitalisation and reporting. Work with senior stakeholders to prepare and maintain business plans and business cases.
Person Requirements
Education / Qualifications / Training Required: Qualified Accountant (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA)
Knowledge and Experience: Strong understanding of accounting and finance and demonstrable experience of delivering effective financial management & reporting. Extensive experience of financial modelling & controls. Demonstrable experience of month‑and‑year‑end financial processes. Demonstrable experience of working as a valued business partner, enabling the delivery of organisational objectives through supporting others. Experience in providing high‑quality written/oral advice, appropriate to senior level decision‑makers. Proven experience in the preparation of complex budgets, forecasts and financial plans. Familiarity with the role of governance, risk management and assurance in project delivery.
Personal Skills/Behaviours/Qualities: Ability to quickly build relationships with senior stakeholders and influence them with impact. Ability to become a credible partner, with confidence to challenge any level of decision‑maker. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Good IT skills, including excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Excel. Personal resilience and a confident approach, able to proactively engage with stakeholders to resolve issues. Ability to respond calmly under pressure and make impartial, well‑considered judgements in complex situations. Good organisational skills: able to manage and prioritise own and others' workloads. Able to meet deadlines, but also respond to ad‑hoc queries in a timely manner.
Pre‑Employment Checks: All applicants must undergo Baseline Personnel Security Screening (BPSS) as a pre‑condition of employment. Failure to achieve BPSS may result in the offer being rescinded. UKRI reserves the right to conduct further security clearance during the course of employment.
Disability Confident Employer: UKRI is a Disability Confident Employer. Candidates who opt into the scheme and best meet the essential criteria will be shortlisted for interview. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to support the application and interview process.
Finance Business Partner employer: UK Research and Innovation
UKRI-MRC is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that prioritises teamwork and professional growth. Located in Hammersmith, London, employees benefit from a competitive salary package, including a London allowance, and the opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders while contributing to impactful financial decision-making. With a commitment to employee development and a supportive environment, UKRI-MRC stands out as a rewarding place for finance professionals seeking meaningful careers.
Contact Details:
UK Research and Innovation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in finance and let them know you're on the hunt for a Finance Business Partner role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and understanding of UKRI priorities. Be ready to discuss how you can add value and support decision-making with your expertise. Show them you’re the partner they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that align with your skills and values. Use our website to find positions that excite you, and tailor your approach to highlight how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Finance Business Partner role. We want to see how you can add value to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Financial Expertise:Since this role requires a strong understanding of finance and accounting, be sure to include specific examples of your financial management experience. We love seeing how you've tackled complex budgets or improved financial processes in your previous roles.
Communicate Clearly:Your written communication skills are key for this position, so make sure your application is clear and concise. We appreciate well-structured documents that convey your thoughts effectively, especially when it comes to providing high-quality advice to senior decision-makers.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be set!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Research and Innovation
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you’ll need to demonstrate your strong understanding of financial management. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This will show that you can provide valuable insights and support effective decision-making.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves working closely with stakeholders, think about examples where you've successfully built relationships in previous positions. Be prepared to share how you’ve collaborated with others to achieve financial goals, as this will highlight your teamwork and leadership skills.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions around financial modelling, reporting processes, and compliance with regulations. Review your knowledge of UKRI, BEIS, and HMG financial controls, and be ready to explain how you’ve ensured compliance in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Excellent written and oral communication is crucial for this role. Prepare to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated complex financial information to senior stakeholders. Consider bringing examples of reports or presentations you've created to illustrate your ability to convey important data clearly and concisely.
