Strategic Finance Business Partner
£56,745
UKRI Band F
Full Time
Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire
Open Ended
Closing date: 8th June 2025
Job Overview
This role is part of the Senior Finance Management Team for AHRC and ESRC and has responsibility for leading a team of Finance Business Partners/Management Accountants in providing a comprehensive financial business partnering services and operational finance across the two Councils.The role will provide effective insight, challenge and support to a range of stakeholders including Directorate leads/budget-holders and senior finance and non-finance managers across Finance and UKRI, to deliver outcomes in line with UKRI priorities.
Responsibilities
* Lead a team of Finance staff in delivering an effective financial business partnering service to the assigned Directorate business areas.
* Develop, manage and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders in Directorate business areas and in other teams, including budget holders, senior programme managers, Directors, financial planning team, management reporting team, commercial / legal teams, other local and wider Finance Directorate staff, and relevant external stakeholders.
* Use sound commercial and business awareness and understanding to provide decision support, offering insight and challenges to relevant senior stakeholders as required to ensure robust financial processes.
* Work closely with senior stakeholders to advise on available funding to aid in establishing strategic priorities using judgement, evidence and professional knowledge.
About you
(S) – Shortlisting Criteria (I) – Interview Criteria
Essential
* Qualified Accountant (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA) or QBE(S)
* Strong understanding of accounting and finance and demonstrable experience of working in senior finance roles and delivering effective financial management.(S & I)
* High level competency of IT systems and applications including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access, with focus on exceptional Excel skills.(S)
* Strong understanding of contracts and commercial elements within projects.(S & I)
* Demonstrable high-level experience of month and year-end processes - accruals and prepayment calculations, variance analyses etc.(S & I)
* Highly numerate with the ability to provide insightful analysis on complex issues, communicating the key elements to effectively deliver projects and influence decision making at a strategic level.(S & I)
* Experience of working strategically to balance the conflicting demands of multiple stakeholders whilst protecting the integrity and ownership of financial processes.(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 ‘partnering’ with stakeholders to meet organisational and financial objectives.(S & I)
* Significant experience in provision of high quality written and oral advice suitable for executive and senior level decision makers.(S & I)
* Proven experience in the preparation of complex budgets, forecasts and financial plans.(S & I)
To view the full job description please click apply and visit our careers page
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
How to Apply
Applicants are required to provide an up-to-date CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role. Further information on how to apply is listed on our careers page
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