Location
Hammersmith, London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£46,164 – £53,418 plus London Allowance (£5,560)

About the Role
As a Finance Business Partner at the UK Health Security Agency, you will provide dedicated finance expertise, insight, and business partnering to UKRI-MRC. Working closely with stakeholders, you will add financial awareness to decision making and deliver outcomes aligned with Council and UKRI priorities. Your role will involve building and maintaining strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, supporting effective financial management of programmes, and promoting a culture of teamwork within the Finance team.

You will support longer-term decision-making, identify opportunities for improvement and efficiency, and ensure compliance with UKRI, BEIS, and HMG financial controls. Responsibilities include overseeing internal and external reporting, grant applications and reporting in collaboration with Imperial College London, and leading asset verification, capitalisation, and reporting activities. You will also deputise for the Head of Finance as required and work with senior stakeholders to prepare and maintain business plans and business cases.

This is a fixed-term, 1-year sabbatical cover position with hybrid working available (2 days per week from home), although full-time office presence is required for the initial 4-6 weeks for handover. The role requires flexibility and may include other delegated duties as agreed with your line manager.

Qualifications
Essential: Qualified Accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA)
Desirable: Degree-level education

Experience
- Strong understanding of accounting and finance with demonstrable experience in effective financial management and reporting
- Extensive experience in financial modelling and controls
- Proven experience of month- and year-end financial processes
- Experience as a valued business partner supporting organisational objectives
- Ability to provide high-quality written and oral advice to senior decision-makers
- Proven experience preparing complex budgets, forecasts, and financial plans
- Familiarity with governance, risk management, and assurance in project delivery
Desirable:
- Knowledge of UK Government, Research Council, or University sector financial management including grant management
- Experience with Oracle IT system and IT system implementations
- Understanding of FEC or TRAC costing methodology

About You
- Ability to quickly build relationships and influence senior stakeholders with impact
- Credible partner with confidence to challenge decision-makers at any level
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Strong IT skills, including advanced Microsoft Excel knowledge
- Personal resilience and confidence to proactively engage stakeholders and resolve issues
- Calm under pressure with the ability to make impartial, well-considered judgements
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage and prioritise workloads effectively
- Ability to meet deadlines and respond to ad hoc queries promptly
Desirable:
- Leadership skills with ability to support and drive change within a team