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- Tasks: Join us as a Finance Business Partner, providing financial insights and support to key programmes.
- Company: UKRI drives world-class research and innovation, shaping the future of science and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 30 days annual leave, and an outstanding pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and enhance your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant or equivalent experience; strong finance management and reporting skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; applications for part-time roles are welcome.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Finance Business Partner – Programmes Directorate
Job Description
Finance Business Partner – Programmes Directorate
Salary: £45,272 per annum (dependent on skills and experience).
Hours: Full/Part time (minimum 0.6 FTE)
Contract Type: Open Ended.
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire/Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot (Hybrid Working)
Closing date: 7th September 2025
Purpose of the role
Provide dedicated finance expertise, insight and business partnering to STFC Programmes Directorate, working closely with stakeholders to add financial awareness to decision making, and deliver outcomes that are in line with Council and UKRI priorities.
Key Areas of Accountability
Leadership / teamwork / collaboration
- Build & maintain good working relationships with colleagues & partners and provide input and advice
- Support Programme Managers and Senior Leadership Teams to effectively manage their programmes through the provision of timely, accurate and complete financial information, advice, and constructive challenge
- Understand the linkages and dependencies between the different Councils within UKRI by actively working with other Finance Business Partners and colleagues across UKRI to seek opportunities for improvement, change and efficiency within Finance, strengthening internal controls, financial analysis, and effective management of programmes and promoting a culture of teamwork
- To deputise for the Head of Finance on a range of issues, if and when required
Delivery / programmes / projects / process
- Perform a range of reporting and control functions, positioning Finance to work with the business and link budgets to delivery plans and business cases
- Communicate the importance of Finance to partners at all levels, and use strong business awareness to present insightful information and analysis to support effective longer-term decision-making and deliver outcomes in line with Council/UKRI priorities
- Manage annual and multi-year budget setting and forecasting cycles
- Develop the finance case within business cases
- Manage applications for additional budget cover
- Ensure compliance with internal financial, DSIT and HMG controls within assigned business areas
Other
This job description is intended to provide a broad outline of the main duties and responsibilities only. The post holder will need to be flexible in developing the role in conjunction with their line manager. The post holder may be asked to carry out any other delegated duty or task that is in line with the post.
The post is advertised as a full time role but we welcome applications for part-time / flexible working patterns, ideally for a minimum of 0.6FTE.
Essential skills, qualifications & experience
(S) – Assessed at shortlisting
(I) – Assessed at interview
(S&I) – Assessed at both shortlisting and interview
Qualifications:
- Qualified Accountant (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA), actively working towards qualification, or equivalent experience (QBE) (S)
Experience & knowledge:
- Strong understanding of accounting and finance and demonstrable experience of working in delivering effective financial management & reporting (S & I)
- Very good IT skills, including good knowledge of Microsoft Office, in particular Excel (S & I)
- Experience of financial modelling & controls (I)
- Demonstrable experience of month and year-end processes – accruals and prepayment calculations, variance analyses etc. (S & I)
- Demonstrable experience of working as part of a wider-business, consulting with senior stakeholders, utilising an in-depth understanding of business priorities and effectively working with partners to meet organisational and financial objectives (S & I)
- Experience in provision of high quality written and oral advice suitable for senior level decision makers (S & I)
- Proven experience in the preparation of complex budgets, forecasts and financial plans (S & I)
- Understanding of the role of governance, risk management and assurance in project delivery (S & I)
Skills & abilities/Desirable:
- Ability to build relationships with senior partners and influence them with impact and professional credibility
- Strong experience of developing effective working partnerships and offering challenges where necessary to senior decision-making groups
- Line management and leadership skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Personal resilience and a confident approach, willing to apply good judgement to solve issues and find solutions independently
- Highly developed team working skills, able to form effective working relationships quickly
- Ability to respond calmly under pressure and to make impartial and well-considered judgments in complex situations
- Good organisational skills, able to manage and prioritise own and others\’ workloads and meet deadlines in a very timely manner.
Benefits
We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package! We are committed to supporting employees\’ development and promote a culture of continuous learning! A list of benefits below;
- An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
- 30 days\’ annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
- Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
- Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
- Flexible working options
Please click here for more details on the Benefits of working for UKRI – UKRI
About Us
UKRI – UK Research and Innovation
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world\’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit \’How we support EDI in the workforce\’.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the \’experience\’ section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
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Finance Business Partner - Programmes Directorate employer: UKRI
Contact Detail:
UKRI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner - Programmes Directorate
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the UKRI's mission and values. Understanding their priorities will help you align your discussions and demonstrate how your financial expertise can support their goals during networking or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Finance Business Partners within UKRI or similar organisations. They can provide valuable insights into the role and share tips on how to effectively engage with stakeholders and manage financial reporting.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully influenced senior decision-makers in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to communicate complex financial information clearly will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in financial management and governance, especially within the public sector. Being knowledgeable about recent changes or challenges can help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner - Programmes Directorate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Focus on your financial management, reporting experience, and any qualifications like ACA/CIMA/ACCA.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly outline how your background meets the essential criteria specified in the job description. Emphasise your ability to build relationships with senior stakeholders and your experience in financial modelling.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Provide specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your understanding of accounting and finance, as well as your ability to manage budgets and forecasts effectively.
Highlight Soft Skills: Don’t forget to mention your communication skills and ability to work under pressure. These are crucial for the role, so provide examples of how you've successfully navigated complex situations in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Make sure to highlight your qualifications as a qualified accountant and any relevant experience in financial management. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Since the role involves working closely with Programme Managers and Senior Leadership Teams, be ready to share experiences where you've effectively collaborated with senior stakeholders. Discuss how you’ve influenced decision-making through insightful financial analysis.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to financial modelling, month-end processes, and variance analyses. Brush up on these topics and be ready to explain your approach to ensuring compliance with financial controls and governance.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in a clear and concise manner, especially when discussing how finance impacts broader business objectives. This will demonstrate your ability to convey important information to non-financial stakeholders.
