Innovation Finance Lead — Drive Decarbonisation Budgets

National Energy System Operator Limited; Wokingham; Hybrid; GBP 57,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

26 days annual leave

Pension scheme

NESO Savings Plan

Job summary

National Energy System Operator Limited is seeking an Innovation Finance Lead to manage and report the financial performance of NESO’s Innovation portfolio. The role supports budgeting, forecasting and financial governance across the Innovation projects, working with NESO teams and external stakeholders.

The position offers hybrid working from offices in Wokingham or Warwick, with flexible arrangements. Suitable for candidates with strong accounting/finance background and experience in project

Qualifications

• Lead financial management and reporting for projects, programmes or portfolios.
• A degree or qualification in accounting, finance or related discipline is essential.
• Strong communication and engagement skills for effective collaboration.
• Portfolio and project management skills.
• Knowledge of the UK energy system is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead Innovation portfolio financial operations: POs, invoicing, queries, project and supplier setup.
• Coordinate annual budgets and milestone-aligned forecasts; explain variances and funding risks.
• Develop financial reports, dashboards and tools for senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Reconcile expenditure, commitments, accruals and forecasts with NESO teams; monitor cost centre spend vs budget.
• Provide data and evidence for regulatory reporting and external audits (NIA/SIF governance).

Skills

Portfolio finance

Financial reporting

Stakeholder engagement

Budgeting

Data storytelling

Education

Accounting/finance degree

Tools

ERP systems

MS Excel

Power BI

Job description

National Energy System Operator Limited is seeking an Innovation Finance Lead to manage and report the financial performance of NESO’s Innovation portfolio. The role supports budgeting, forecasting and financial governance across the Innovation projects, working with NESO teams and external stakeholders.

The position offers hybrid working from offices in Wokingham or Warwick, with flexible arrangements. Suitable for candidates with strong accounting/finance background and experience in project