Location: UK University (Hybrid working)
Contract: Permanent

Reporting to: Senior Finance Business Partner / Head of Finance / Deputy Director of Finance

Role Purpose

The Finance Business Partner will provide high-quality financial support and strategic insight to assigned Faculties and/or Professional Services areas. The role will work closely with senior academic and professional stakeholders to support effective decision-making, financial sustainability and delivery of the University’s strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Act as the primary finance contact for designated Faculties or Directorates, building strong, trusted relationships with senior stakeholders including Deans, Heads of School and Professional Services leaders

Lead the annual budgeting, forecasting and medium-term financial planning process for assigned areas, including student number modelling and income projections

Produce and interpret management accounts and financial reports, providing clear commentary on performance, variances, risks and opportunities

Support TRAC, FEC and research costing activity, working with Research Finance and academic colleagues to ensure accurate and compliant costing and reporting

Provide financial input into business cases, investment appraisals and new academic or commercial initiatives, including costings and scenario analysis

Support the year-end process, audits and statutory reporting as required for allocated areas

Drive improvements in financial controls, processes and reporting, contributing to finance transformation initiatives where appropriate

Person Specification

Essential:

Qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) or qualified by experience within the HE sector

Proven experience in a finance business partnering or management accounting role, ideally within a university or complex public sector organisation

Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis

Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders

Experience working collaboratively with senior stakeholders

Desirable:

Knowledge of HE funding, TRAC, FEC or research finance

Experience with HE finance systems (e.g. Unit4, Oracle, SAP, Worktribe)

Experience supporting academic Faculties

What the University Offers

Competitive salary and pension

Flexible and hybrid working

A collaborative, values-driven environment within the Higher Education sector

Opportunities to contribute to strategic initiatives and long-term institutional sustainability