Finance Business Partner (18 Month Fixed Term)

University of Sunderland; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Sunderland is seeking a Finance Business Partner for an 18-month fixed-term role. You will support decision-making, manage budgets, and report on financial activities, contributing to the institution's sustainability. The ideal candidate will have significant management accounting experience and the ability to communicate financial data to non-specialists. The role also offers generous leave, a pension scheme, and discounts on health and wellness.

Benefits

36 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Employee discount platform

Discounted private medical insurance

Discounted fitness membership

Qualifications

• Significant experience in management accounting and reporting.
• Ability to translate financial information for non-finance colleagues.
• Proactive and solutions-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Support decision-making across the institution.
• Engage in budget setting and forecasting.
• Provide financial insight for long-term sustainability.

Skills

Management accounting

Reporting

Financial analysis

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Job description

The University of Sunderland offers life-changing opportunities for 27,500 students across its campuses in Sunderland, London, Hong Kong, and through global partnerships with learning institutions in 19 countries.

We're proud to be a top 30 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2026) and we are first in the North-east for student support services (Daily Mail University Guide 2026) and for teaching quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026). With top-quality facilities, an inclusive culture, and a vibrant, ever-changing city, Sunderland is an exciting place to learn and work.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative and forward-thinking Finance team. As Finance Business Partner, you will work closely with stakeholders across the institution, playing a visible and valued role in supporting decision-making. You will gain exposure to a broad range of financial activities, including budget setting, forecasting, management reporting, and statutory returns, allowing you to develop your expertise in a complex and rewarding environment. The role offers the chance to provide meaningful financial insight and contribute directly to the University's long-term sustainability.

This fixed-term role for 18 months and is ideal for someone looking to broaden their experience, take on responsibility, and work at both an operational and strategic level.

What you can bring

We are seeking an individual with significant experience in management accounting and reporting within a complex organisation, alongside the ability to translate financial information clearly for non-finance colleagues. You will bring a proactive, solutions-focused mindset, be confident working independently, and demonstrate a collaborative, team-oriented approach.

What we can offer you

Our University is not just a place of academic excellence, but also a community that embraces inclusivity and support. We value our staff and offer a rewarding package that goes beyond just salary. At the University of Sunderland, we prioritise not only your professional growth but also your happiness and well-being.

• Enjoy a generous annual leave entitlement of 36 days, along with an additional 5 closure days over the Christmas break and 8 Bank Holidays.
• Enrolment into our pension scheme, ensuring your financial security for the future.
• Access to our "My Lifestyle Benefits Platform", where you can enjoy online discounts at hundreds of retailers every day. Plus, take advantage of exclusive schemes that allow you to purchase a new car, bike, or technology at a discounted rate.
• Your health and well-being are important to us. That's why we provide access to discounted private medical insurance, health cash plans, and guidance on financial well-being.
• Maintaining an active lifestyle is made easy with discounted membership for CitySpace Fitness, our state‑of‑the‑art facility for sports and social activities.

The closing date for applications is Monday 5 January (23.59 GMT).