Finance Business Partner - Programmes Directorate

UK Research and Innovation; South Oxfordshire; Hybrid; GBP 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A government research organization in the UK is seeking a dedicated finance professional to provide expertise and insight within their Programmes Directorate. The role focuses on financial management, stakeholder collaboration, and decision-making support. Candidates must have a strong understanding of finance and accounting, along with excellent IT skills, particularly in Excel. The position offers flexible working options and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension scheme

30 days annual leave

Employee discounts

Employee assistance programme

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience of month and year-end processes - accruals and prepayment calculations, variance analyses etc.
• Demonstrable experience of working as part of a wider-business, consulting with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide finance expertise and business partnering to STFC Programmes Directorate.
• Support Programme Managers with financial information and advice.
• Communicate the importance of Finance to partners at all levels.

Skills

Qualified Accountant (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA)

Strong understanding of accounting and finance

Good knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel

Experience of financial modelling & controls

Education

Equivalent experience (QBE)

Job description

Salary: £45,272 per annum (dependent on skills and experience).

Hours: Full/Part time (minimum 0.6 FTE)

Contract Type: Open Ended.

Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire/Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot (Hybrid Working)

Closing date: 7th September 2025

Purpose of the role

Provide dedicated finance expertise, insight and business partnering toSTFC Programmes Directorate,working closely with stakeholders to add financial awareness to decision making, and deliver outcomes that are in line with Council and UKRI priorities.

Key Areas of Accountability

Leadership / teamwork / collaboration

• Build & maintain good working relationships with colleagues & partners and provide input and advice
• Support Programme Managers and Senior Leadership Teams to effectively manage their programmes through the provision of timely, accurate and complete financial information, advice, and constructive challenge

Delivery / programmes / projects / process

• Perform a range of reporting and control functions, positioning Finance to work with the business and link budgets to delivery plans and business cases
• Communicate the importance of Finance to partners at all levels, and use strong business awareness to present insightful information and analysis to support effective longer-term decision-making and deliver outcomes in line with Council/UKRI priorities

Other

This job description is intended to provide a broad outline of the main duties and responsibilities only.The post holder will need to be flexible in developing the role in conjunction with their line manager.The post holder may be asked to carry out any other delegated duty or task that is in line with the post.

The post is advertised as a full-time role but we welcome applications for part-time / flexible working patterns, ideally for a minimum of 0.6FTE.

About you

The essential and additional desirable skills criteria required for this post will be assessed during both the Shortlisting (S) and Interview (I) stages.

(S) – Shortlisting Criteria (I) – Interview Criteria

Qualifications:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA), actively working towards qualification, or equivalent experience (QBE) (S)

Experience & knowledge:

• Strong understanding of accounting and finance and demonstrable experience of working in delivering effective financial management & reporting (S & I)
• Very good IT skills, including good knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (S & I)
• Experience of financial modelling & controls (I)
• Demonstrable experience of month and year-end processes - accruals and prepayment calculations, variance analyses etc. (S & I)
• Demonstrable experience of working as part of a wider-business, consulting with senior stakeholders, utilising an in-depth understanding of business priorities and effectively working with partners to meet organisational and financial objectives (S & I)

To view the full job description please click apply and visit our careers page

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package! We are committed to supporting employees’ development and promote a culture of continuous learning! A list of benefits below.

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• 30 days’ annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
• Flexible working options

Please click here for more details on theBenefits of working for UKRI – UKRI

How to Apply

Applicants are required to provide an up-to-date CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role. Further information on how to apply is listed on our careers page.