Description UK Research & Innovation Salary: £46,743 per annum Band: UKRI Band E Contract Type: Fixed Term (6 months) Hours: Full-time/ Part Time (minimum 0.8 FTE) (flexible working available) Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire - Hybrid working available (Min 2 days per week in the office). Closing Date: 22nd March 2026 About 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. Your responsibilities: 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 byactively working with other Finance Business Partners and colleagues across UKRI to seek opportunities for improvement, change and efficiency within Finance strengthening internal 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 Personal Specification The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I). Essential Qualified Accountant (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA), actively working towards qualification, or equivalent experience (QBE) (S) 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) 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. Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance! For further information on our benefits please see: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer. Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org .