At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis, partnering with teams to support strategic decisions.
- Company: Join UNICEF UK, making a real difference for children in need worldwide.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, inclusive culture, and the chance to impact children's lives.
- Other info: Opportunity to innovate with AI and enhance financial processes.
- Why this job: Be part of a team shaping the future strategy for children's rights.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance roles, strong analytical skills, and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Hours: 35 hours per week. Other flexible arrangements will be considered.
Disclosure Level: Basic - This role involves no direct or indirect work with children.
Reports to: Director of Finance.
Duration: 8 months (Maternity Cover).
At the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), we pull together to achieve the best possible results for children in danger around the world. We believe in an inclusive workplace and in the power of fulfilled colleagues who share the same values and goals, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their utmost for children. Our work is guided by the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which recognise the universality of children's rights.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Finance Team incorporates a range of functions including Financial Control and Reporting, and Finance Business Partnering. The Team is part of the Operations Directorate, which includes the People, Strategy, Legal and Information Teams amongst others. The Finance Team contributes to UNICEF UK's positive impact for children by working with the wider organisation to maximise the value of our supporters' donations and to safeguard our funds and assets.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This role provides a vital link between the Finance Team and the wider organisation while the permanent post holder is on Maternity Leave. Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will lead the team responsible for organisational financial planning and analysis, partnering with budget holders across the organisation and delivering vital and timely information and analysis to support key strategic decisions and the delivery of the strategic plan. This is an exciting time to join the team, while we develop our next 3-year strategy (2027-2029) and financial plan.
What we will expect you to achieve
- Lead the Finance Business Partnering Team, ensuring four line-reports have appropriate objectives and development plans.
- Lead financial planning processes for 2027-29 financial plan, annual budget and regular reforecasting, ensuring the processes are simple, efficient, support constructive discussion and deliver timely results.
- Deliver and develop insightful, timely financial performance reports to colleagues, senior stakeholders and third parties to inform financial and strategic decisions.
- Proactively seek opportunities to leverage AI and technical automation to streamline and optimise reporting and processes.
- Build strong, trust-based relationships across wider stakeholders, fostering UNICEF UK's values including effective collaboration and finding solutions.
- Proactively identify opportunities to optimise income, cost efficiencies and strengthen financial performance through insightful analysis and challenge.
- Maintain an early warning system that alerts senior management and budget holders of potential overspends and other key sensitive financial and commercial information.
- Key contributor in the assessment and review of new ventures, partnership arrangements and business cases, to assess financial viability and provide technical advice.
- Keep up to date with external trends and best practice. Use networks and personal learning to help innovate and advance our work.
- Demonstrate and model a commitment to our shared values, behaviours and inclusive practices in all aspects of your work.
Effective Behaviours
- Analytical: Analyses available information to make logical and sound judgments. Questions assumptions and seeks further insight to inform decision making.
- Efficiency and effectiveness: Manage conflicting priorities to ensure that objectives are achieved, and deadlines met. Anticipates risks and puts plans in place to minimise their impact. Suggests simplifications to overly complex ways of working to improve results.
- Good Management: Encourages a supportive and positive working environment where questions/opinions can be expressed appropriately. Monitors developing conflicts such as excessive demands on people and resources and proactively addresses them. Delegates work appropriately, encouraging and empowering people to act on their initiative and make decisions within agreed parameters.
- Anticipates and responds to the needs of an audience, adapting content, style, language and use of channel to deliver maximum clarity. Conveys complex ideas using a variety of methods to engage an audience and win understanding and support.
- Collaboration: Values diversity, respecting and drawing on colleagues' different perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge.
Relevant experience
- Experience of working in Business Partner or FP&A role with income-generating teams.
- Evidence of managing and developing a high performing team.
Specific knowledge and skills
- Strong commercial acumen.
- Strong Excel and other data analysis tools.
- Accounting standards and their application to charities (e.g. FRS 102/Charities SORP) advantageous.
- ACCA, ACA or CIMA qualified (or international equivalent).
- Experience with Unit 4 advantageous.
Head Finance Business Partnering in Ilford employer: UNICEF
At UNICEF UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and personal growth. Our Finance Team plays a crucial role in maximising the impact of our supporters' donations, and as the Head of Finance Business Partnering, you will lead a dynamic team in a collaborative environment that values innovation and strategic thinking. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to professional development, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that directly benefits children in need around the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Finance Business Partnering in Ilford
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
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✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
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Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like UNICEF might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Finance Business Partnering in Ilford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at UNICEF will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at UNICEF. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give UNICEF confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at UNICEF
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with UNICEF.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure UNICEF that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
