Finance Business Partner

Overview

In this role you will provide dedicated finance expertise and business partnering to Innovate UK, supporting decision-making with timely financial information and analysis. You will collaborate with Programme Managers, Senior Leadership, and UKRI partners to align financial activity with priorities, improve controls, and enable delivery of strategy. The role combines reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and advisory work within a cross-functional Finance team, offering meaningful impact across programmes.

Pay / Benefits

• Civil Service Pension scheme (employer contribution 28.97%)
• Learning and development tailored to role
• Flexible working options
• Culture of inclusion and diversity
• Civil Service defined benefit pension scheme contribution

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with colleagues and partners, offering input and advice
• Support Programme Managers and Senior Leadership with timely, accurate financial information and constructive challenge
• Deputise for the Senior Finance Business Partner when required
• Collaborate with UKRI colleagues to identify improvement, transformation and efficiency opportunities
• Strengthen internal controls, reporting and analysis, and manage programme delivery
• Perform reporting and control functions linking budgets to delivery plans and business cases
• Communicate the importance of Finance to partners and present insightful analysis for long-term decisions
• Manage annual and multi-year budget setting and forecasting cycles
• Ensure compliance with internal, DSIT and HM Treasury controls; manage budget cover applications
• Possibly undertake other duties commensurate with the role as needed

Key requirements

• Qualified Accountant (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA) or equivalent experience (QBE)
• Strong accounting and finance background with similar experience
• Excellent IT skills with strong Excel knowledge
• Experience in financial modelling and controls
• Experience with month- and year-end processes (accruals, prepayments, variance analyses)
• Experience in collaborating with senior stakeholders and delivering high-quality written and oral advice
• Experience in preparing complex budgets, forecasts and financial plans
• Understanding of governance, risk management and assurance in project delivery

• Relationship-building with senior partners
• Influencing and credibility in decision-making groups
• Excellent written and oral communication
• Microsoft Office (Excel strong)
• Financial modelling and controls
• Budgeting and forecasting

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