The Finance Business Partner (FBP) will ensure the provision of high quality financial advice, information, analysis and interpretation to Project Managers, Priority Leads, Budget Holders, Senior Managers and Directors to strengthen effective decision making, meaningful performance management and enable achieving strategic goals within a Directorate area. The FBP will engage actively with internal stakeholders at both a strategic and operational level from a financial perspective in order to support the delivery of an effective, efficient and robust financial management of Innovate UK Business Connect’s portfolios.
Roles & Responsibilities
Business Partnering
1. Develop, manage and maintain strong working relationships with Finance colleagues, allocated Directorates, Budget Holders, Senior Managers, Directors and wider organisation to support delivering Innovate UK Business Connect’s commitments and achieving company’s strategy
2. Develop and maintain good understanding of allocated Directorates’ business model (incl. activities, challenges and objectives) and recognise the impact on Innovate UK Business Connect’s finance position
3. Develop and promote Finance Business Partnering function by increasing awareness and transparency of financial policies, processes and controls across the organisation
4. Ensuring compliance and good governance with financial regulations and accounting standards
5. Provide timely advice on the preparation of proposals and tendres from financial perspective, identifying and quantifying associated costs, benefits and risks
6. Promote the collaborative culture that enables Budget Holders and supports the delivery of value for money services
7. Provide strong financial analysis and insights that link financial management reports to Innovate UK Business Connect business strategy
8. Analyse, interpret and communicate financial and performance data to Finance colleagues, allocated Directorates, Budget Holders, Senior Managers and Directors
9. Co-ordinate the development of financial plans for allocated Directorates ensuring they reflect their strategic goals
10. Prepare indicative budgets for Directorates with complete documentation of any underlying assumptions
Project and Ongoing Performance Management
11. Provide timely and accurate information, financial guidance and advice to Project Managers and Budget Holders to allow effective budget management
12. Financial management of projects including claim preparation and invoicing, monitoring and analysis
13. Analyse, interpret and communicate monthly financial reports to Budget leads and Priority Leads
14. Produce accurate financial forecasts and plans identifying, quantifying, where possible, and highlighting potential opportunities and risks. Assist with the preparation and implementation of mitigation plans associated where required
15. Lead the preparation and execution of external project audits by working closely with Financial Accounting and Management Reporting team and liaising with auditors
Other
16. Maximising relationships with internal & external stakeholders, providing clear communication where required and ensure queries are dealt with in a timely manner
17. To actively contribute and support the Finance team in achieving its objectives
18. Work closely with Financial Accounting and Management Reporting team to produce financial management reports required internally, or by customers/funders (including preparation for management accounts and statutory accounts)
19. Any other tasks that the Finance Business Partnering Lead may require support with.
Experience & Skills
Essential Experience
20. Part Qualified Accountant or qualified by experience
21. Experience of supporting effective financial management and reporting
Skills
22. Effective interpersonal and influencing skills, and resilience
23. Ability to establish and maintain relationships with internal & external stakeholders
24. Ability to plan and prioritise work generated from multiple sources
25. Ability to exercise judgement as well as take a strategic view on complex financial issues
26. Ability to interpret and present the data with high levels of IT literacy overall and excellent Excel skills
27. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to communicate financial matters to a broad range of audiences both formally and informally
28. Strong focus on proactivity, positive solutions and continuous improvement
29. Positive ‘can do’ attitude with flexibility to work in a fast-paced environment with seasonal pressure points
Benefits & how to apply
30. This role has a salary of £34,215 to £40,000 pa depending on experience
31. 28 days annual leave plus 10.5 bank and public holidays
32. Enhanced Pension Plan
33. Life Assurance
34. Employee Assistance Programme
35. Cycle to Work Scheme
36. Wider Wallet employee benefits high street discounts scheme
37. Opportunities for continuous professional development as part of our Talent & Development Programme
This advert will close on Friday 15th November though some circumstances may require us to close earlier, so early application is advised.
First stage interviews to be held w/c 25th November.
Second stage interviews to be held w/c 2nd December.
Please apply by submitting a tailored cover letter outlining your suitability with specifics relating to the requirements of the role, and your CV outlining your experience.
The postholder will be based in our Harwell office with 2 days per week working from home.
Applicants must have the existing and ongoing right to work in the UK without restrictions as sponsorship for visas is not provided. Unfortunately, owing to the high number of applications received, we can only provide feedback to applicants selected for interview.
Innovate UK Business Connect strives to be a diverse and inclusive place where we can all be ourselves. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in the industry: people of colour, LGBTQ+ community, women, disabled people, people of any age or family status. We know that diversity makes us stronger and we strive to create a working environment that is inclusive, and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to removing barriers for individuals with conditions, illnesses or disabilities and we will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, and in their future role.
About Innovate UK Business Connect
We connect ideas, people, and communities to drive innovation that changes lives.
Innovation is complex. The journey from idea to market is not straightforward and requires a diverse range of know-how, investment, market knowledge and research. Innovate UK Business Connect exists to connect innovators with new partners and new opportunities beyond their existing thinking – accelerating ambitious ideas into real-world solutions.
The future holds both challenges and opportunities. We are passionate about working with innovative businesses to overcome these challenges and shape the opportunities and solutions that follow.
Our vision is to create a network of innovators so powerful its ideas will change the world.
While business is at the heart of our work, our diverse connections span government, funders, research and the third sector. This unrivalled overview and connectivity enable us to be a trusted guide through a complex global landscape of research, development, and innovation.