Assistant Finance Business Partner

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE; England; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Relocation support

Cycle2Work

Employee assistance programme

Flexible benefits portal

Living Wage Employer

Job summary

The National Oceanography Centre in Southampton is hiring an Assistant Finance Business Partner to support effective financial management across the organisation. You will work with experienced partners on budgeting, forecasting, reporting and project finance to turn numbers into insights.

This role offers a permanent, full-time contract (37 hours) with hybrid working, a clear development path toward a recognised accountancy qualification, and a generous benefits package including 30 days leave

Qualifications

• Numeracy and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Interest in budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Willingness to pursue an accountancy qualification.

Responsibilities

• Support financial management across the organisation.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, reporting and project finance.
• Turn financial data into actionable insights for managers.

Skills

Numeracy

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Education

Pursuing accountancy qualification

Job description

Assistant Finance Business Partner

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

£36,382 - £40,016

Who are we?

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.

The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.

Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.

About the role

This is an important role in supporting effective financial management across the organisation. You’ll work alongside experienced Finance Business Partners, gaining exposure to budgeting, forecasting, reporting and project finance while helping turn financial information into meaningful insight.

This is a great opportunity to develop your finance and business partnering skills within a diverse, project-led organisation, with plenty of scope to build your knowledge and experience.

About you

We’re looking for someone with good numeracy, analytical skills and attention to detail, who enjoys working with financial information and solving problems. You’ll be organised, a good communicator and comfortable working as part of a team.

Whether you already have experience working with financial data or are looking to take the next step in your finance career, we’re keen to hear from you. A willingness to learn and develop, alongside an interest in progressing towards a recognised accountancy qualification, will be important.

Why NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

• - 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays


• - a 10% employer contribution pension scheme (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)


• - Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services


• - financial support for relocation


• - a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)


• - access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues


• - access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards


• - a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories


• - a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations


• - we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer

Location

This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.

We have a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.

Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability.

Date advert posted: 25/09/2026

Closing date: 23/10/2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.