Senior Finance Business Partner
Band: UKRI Band F
Salary: £58,589 gross per annum
Reports to: Deputy Director – Risk & Governance
Location: Swindon (Hybrid Working)
Contract: Fixed Term Until 31/07/2028
Job Purpose
The role is part of the Innovate UK Finance team which performs a range of planning, reporting and business partnering activities. The incumbent will work with the business linking activity to approved business cases, budgets and delivery plans, presenting insightful information to drive strategic decisions. This role will support the Innovation Finance Directorate and be specifically focused on Innovate UK's Innovation Loans programme, Investor Partnerships and other Non-Grant Products. We seek an individual with the skills and experience to help us achieve a balance of financial insight and analysis, strategic financial advice and good governance in the context of an unregulated lending business.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
* Creation of Financial and Business Performance Information in collaboration with the IUKL Data and Insights team and the financial accountant to report to the IUK Investment Finance management team, the IUKL Board and Board committees and the IUK Leadership team to inform decision making and ensure resources are managed on strategy and within budget allocations.
* Develop, manage and maintain exceptional working partnerships with senior managers, Directors and stakeholders across Innovate UK providing strategic financial advice.
* Assisting in the development of Innovate UK Investment strategy and spending review process by evaluating financial options/scenarios, impacts, potential risks and solutions.
* Liaise with IUK, across UKRI and with DSIT to ensure reports and forecasts are submitted on time and the financial risks of managing a loan book are understood.
* Ensure compliance with HMT Financial Transactions Framework, agree allocations across multiple budget categories and complete Main and Supplementary Estimates.
* Support IUK Reporting Team to ensure Innovation Finance forecasting, variance analysis and submission of risks and opportunities are aligned and understood.
* Work closely with budget holders to advise on available funding across all budget categories (Financial Transactions, OpEx, RDEL (ringfence and non-ringfenced, AME)).
* Provide advice and support on budgeting and accounting treatment for the development of new innovation finance products.
* Knowledge of accounting standards regulating financial instruments and ability to work closely with colleagues in the financial accounting team to analyse future budget implications based on current levels of credit provisions and fair value adjustments.
* Keep up to date and be familiar with the requirements in the Consolidated Budgeting Guidance and the relevant accounting standards to feed into the process.
Experience & Qualifications
* Qualified Accountant (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA) or, by exception, qualified by Experience.
* Excellent IT skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office, in particular Excel.
* Good understanding of financial controls.
* Experience of month and year-end processes and reporting, such as accruals and prepayment calculations and variance analysis.
* Preparation of budgets, forecasts, and financial plans.
* Experience of working as part of a wider business, consulting with many stakeholders, showing an understanding of business priorities and working with partners to meet organisational and financial objectives.
* Experience in provision of written and oral advice suitable for senior level decision makers.
* Understanding of Financial Instruments and IFRS 9 and 16.
* Familiar with requirements in the Consolidated Budgeting Guidance for Financial Transactions.
Competencies
All team members demonstrate compatibility with and capability against our Core Competencies such as: Thinking and Problem Solving, Stakeholder Management, Communication Skills, Influencing, Self‑awareness/ Self‑management, Strategic Awareness, Working with Others, Project Management.
Travel Requirements
Field‑based: There will be a requirement to travel, mostly national, with flexibility where needed. Telepresence tools are heavily used to minimise unnecessary travel.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Innovate UK is a diverse workforce. We believe that encouraging differences and drawing the best from them will build a productive environment in which everyone feels valued, where talents are fully utilised and in which organisational goals are met. Equal treatment, fairness, respect and dignity are embraced. We encourage applications from all candidates who meet the role criteria.
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer, committed to employing any person who meets the criteria for our roles. Recruitment may require tests or assessments. If you have a disability, health condition or learning difficulty, you may be entitled to support. Reasonable adjustments are provided where needed.
Employee Benefits
We offer a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance. This includes 30 days annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege days, flexible working hours, an exceptional defined benefit pension scheme, and access to a variety of support networks and discount schemes.
Flexible Working
We understand the importance of work-life balance and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements.
Pre‑employment Screening
Successful applicants will undergo a comprehensive pre‑employment check, including security clearance and other vetting as required. UKRI reserves the right to re‑run security clearance during employment.
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