UK Research & Innovation
Finance Business Partner
Salary: £43,116
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Open Ended
Location: Swindon, Polaris House
Closing Date: Wednesday 1st May 2024
Job Overview
Provide dedicated Finance Business Partner (FBP) expertise, insight and direction to the UKRI Infrastructure Fund & Digital Research Infrastructure Programme in order to successfully deliver two cross-cutting funds, totalling c. £611m over the current spending review period.
Key Responsibilities / Activities
* Act as a strategic business partner and trusted advisor to UKRI Infrastructure Portfolio Office proactively supporting them to successfully deliver two cross-cutting funds.
* Capable of identifying key stakeholders & cultivating excellent working relationships internally and externally ensuring knowledge sharing, silo eradication and continuous learning
* Capable of strong data modelling and ability to translate the outcomes into relevant reports for senior decision makers.
* Seek to continuously review and improve controls and processes including finance model harmonisation and ensuring proper documentation of policy and processes.
* Demonstrate exceptional attention to detail in order to maintain a live and accurate record of project forecasts and reprofile changes for these cross-cutting funds, including reconciling variations in financial information as and when needed.
* Collate, input, extract and analyse financial data from across the organisation to provide the Infrastructure Portfolio Office with appropriate information required for quarterely reporting.
* An appreciation of the strategic and policy work of the team and to be able to input constructively into policy formulation, business cases, bids at fiscal events, including budget and spending reviews, where there is a financial implication
This list is not exhaustive and you will be encouraged to learn and empowered to explore your curiosity. It is anticipated that this role will evolve over time and the successful candidate will be expected to take up different or additional responsibilities as needed, such as FBP support for large capital DRI projects such as AIRR / Exascale.
Monthly
* Centrally Managed Allocation forecasting data input ready for EPM upload.
* Update of the risks and opportunities log.
* Review programme forecasts with budgets and investigate / challenge all material discrepancies.
* Update the Infrastructure Fund and DRI finance models and share with the Infrastructure Portfolio Office .
* Discuss year to date finance position with programme office leads, UKRI Strategy and DSIT.
Quarterly
* Collate commitments data from all council FBP's and update centrally held commitments model.
* Collate reprofile data from all councils / programme office and update centrally held reprofile tracker model.
* Advise all relevant councils of changes to budgets once approval by UKRI finance director given.
* Review the Infrastructure Portfolio Office quarterly report's for both funds and ensure data is consistent with other sources.
This is not an exhaustive list and you might be encouraged to undertake any other duties across the wider directorate, commensurate with the Band and level of responsibility of this post, for which the post holder has the key experience and/or training.
Essential Skills
Education
* Qualified Accountant (ACCA/CIMA/ACA/CIPFA), or Qualified by Experience
Knowledge
* A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and particularly a strong knowledge of Excel including modelling and controls.
* Knowledge of accounting / EPM systems.
Skills and Abilities
* Strong numeracy and analytical skills with the ability to interpret and present complex data.
* Strong stakeholder awareness skills with the emphasis on delivery.
* Ability to write and speak using clear English.
* Able to act on own initiative.
Relevant Experience
* Financial modelling and business data analysis.
Desirable Skills
Knowledge
* Strong business awareness, able to identify areas where processes can be improved.
Skills and Abilities
* Strong stakeholder awareness skills with the emphasis on delivery.
* Comfortable engaging with and influencing colleagues up to board level.
* Ability to work to demanding deadlines.
* Manage and work effectively under pressure.
Relevant Experience
* Financial modelling and business data analysis.
* Experience of working within a similar role and environment.
About UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI launched in April 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
Our organisation brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England, which is responsible for supporting research and knowledge exchange at higher education institutions in England, and the UK's innovation agency, Innovate UK. Together we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and 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 .
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.
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. #J-18808-Ljbffr