Job description
SO Accountant - Finance Business Partner
Location: Newforge Lane & Hillsborough
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week Hybrid - min. 2 days in office
Pay Rate: £ per hour
About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated and commercially aware Finance Business Partner to join the Environment & Marine Sciences Division (EMSD). This is a key role providing strategic financial support, insight, and challenge to senior stakeholders, ensuring effective financial management and value for money across the division.
Key Responsibilities
1. Deliver high-quality, accurate, and timely financial information, including regular reporting to senior management.
2. Provide expert financial advice and guidance to budget holders on budget setting and in-year monitoring.
3. Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.
4. Support the preparation of financial forecasts and costing for research and business development opportunities.
5. Promote robust financial governance, ensuring public funds are managed with probity, regularity, and value for money.
6. Maintain and enhance systems of internal control, including development of financial policies and procedures.
7. Contribute to the development and implementation of financial systems and reporting processes.
8. Stay up to date with public sector financial planning, monitoring, and accountability frameworks.
9. Assist in the preparation of annual accounts and liaise with internal and external auditors.
10. Promote a culture of accountability, integrity, and high professional standards in financial decision-making.
Essential Criteria
Applicants must have successfully passed final professional examinations and be a current full member of one of the following:
11. Chartered Accountants Ireland
12. ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland)
13. ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales)
14. CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
15. ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
16. CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy)
17. CPA Ireland (Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland)
AND
18. At least 1 year's relevant practical experience in one or more of the following:Financial planning and budgetingFinancial management / management accountingFinancial accounting / auditingDevelopment or implementation of financial systemsStrategic planning and decision support in a finance or regulatory environment