IUK Senior Finance Programme Manager – Net Zero & OGD Managed Programmes

UK Research and Innovation; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization is seeking a Senior Finance Programme Manager in Swindon. This role involves providing financial advice for managed government programmes and collaboration with senior management. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in finance, experience in stakeholder engagement, and the ability to present complex information clearly. The position offers a hybrid working model and competitive employee benefits, including generous leave and flexible working hours.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

10.5 public and privilege days

Defined-benefit pension

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience balancing multiple stakeholders while protecting financial process integrity.
• Ability to present financial information to non-finance staff.
• Experience writing or developing business cases, especially financial cases.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with senior management and provide financial advice.
• Ensure quality financial service for stakeholders.
• Develop business cases for new investment proposals.

Skills

Qualified Accountant

Leadership skills

Interpersonal skills

IT systems competency

Analytical skills

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA)

Tools

Oracle Accounting Software

Data Analytical Software

Job description

Overview

Title: IUK Senior Finance Programme Manager – Net Zero & OGD Managed Programmes

Band: UKRI Band F (UKRI Ts & Cs) • Salary: £56,745 gross per annum • Reports to: Line Manager Job Title • Location: Swindon (Hybrid working) • Contract: Permanent

Applications must be submitted by 07-10-2025. This advert will close on 6 October 2025 at 23:59.

Innovate UK recognises the importance of work-life balance and is happy to discuss requests for flexible working arrangements.

Watch our video “Why Join Innovate UK?” (text available on site)

Context: We are seeking candidates with proven experience of working within a complex operational environment, collaborating with diverse stakeholders including Senior Management. The role involves close collaboration with staff across the UKRI business and cross Whitehall Departments to provide robust support, advice and guidance on finance-related matters and present to programme boards to guide effective financial management decisions. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential due to regular engagement with a wide range of external stakeholders at senior and operational levels.

Job Purpose:

We are seeking a highly motivated and proactive individual to join our team as a Senior Finance Business Partner. The successful candidate will help deliver a portfolio of managed programmes for Other Government Departments (OGDs) and embed costing models to drive full cost recovery. The role will standardise and systemise financial reporting to OGDs and work across a portfolio in a matrixed structure to ensure planning, governance, financial reporting, and stakeholder engagement meet high standards while enabling strategic alignment across the wider programme landscape. It also involves leadership and technical financial expertise to support the business and opportunities to develop relationships with senior policy directors.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Build an effective, trusted-advisor relationship with IUK and OGD senior management, providing clear, objective, and timely financial advice to influence decisions.
• Ensure external stakeholders and Programme Management Boards receive high-quality financial service, offering advice and challenge to drive timely decisions at operational, tactical and strategic levels.
• Provide financial planning support, modelling, and engage with Programme Directors to maintain a financially sustainable portfolio.
• Fulfil all OGD assurance requirements in line with MoUs, including NAO reviews and internal audits.
• Develop business cases with policy leads for new investment proposals.
• Provide effective financial governance with appropriate delegation and regulatory structures.
• Deputise for the Head of Finance for Net Zero and Managed Programmes and support the wider IUK FBP team to meet objectives and share best practice.

This is not an exhaustive list; other duties across the wider directorate may be assigned as appropriate for the role.

Shortlisting Criteria

(S) – Assessed at shortlisting; (I) – Assessed at interview; (S&I) – Assessed at both.

Person Specification

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA) or equivalent experience (QBE). (S)
• Strong leadership, management, organisational and motivational skills. (S&I)
• Effective interpersonal and influencing skills. (I)
• Ability to take a strategic view of financial issues. (I)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present financial information to non-finance staff. (S&I)
• Ability to build trusting relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels. (I)
• Experience balancing multiple stakeholders while protecting financial process integrity. (S&I)
• High competency in IT systems with strong Excel skills. (S&I)
• Ability to provide insightful analysis on complex issues to influence decisions. (S&I)
• Experience of financial management and management reporting for complex organisations. (S)

Desirable:

• Working knowledge of accounting software (e.g., Oracle). (S)
• Experience with Data and Analytical Software for large datasets. (S)
• Knowledge of Government Accounting Standards and Managing Public Money. (I)
• Experience writing or developing business cases, especially financial cases. (S&I)
• Proactivity, positive solutions, and continuous improvement mindset. (I)

Competencies:

Thinking and Problem Solving; Stakeholder Management; Communication; Influencing; Self-awareness/Self-management; Strategic Awareness; Working with Others; Project Management. Some may be assessed at interview in addition to the criteria above.

Travel: Swindon-based with occasional national travel.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Innovate UK is a diverse workforce and is committed to equal opportunities. We encourage applications from all who meet the criteria. We may require tests or assessments as part of recruitment. Reasonable adjustments available on request.

UKRI Context

Innovate UK is a partner organisation within UK Research and Innovation. If successful, your employer will be UKRI. More information: ukri.org.

Employee Benefits

We offer a benefits package including 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege days, flexible hours, a defined-benefit pension, and access to support networks and discounts. Flexible working arrangements are considered.

Pre-employment Screening

We conduct comprehensive pre-employment checks and may require security screening during employment.