Job Description

Head of Finance - Research England

68,525 per annum


UKRI Band G


Open Ended


Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire

Closing Date: 3rd August 2025

Purpose of the role

Lead a finance business partnering team, providing a comprehensive financial business partnering service to Research England; providing high level insight, challenge and support to a comprehensive range of stakeholders, to deliver outcomes in line with UKRI priorities.

Key Areas of Accountability

Leadership / teamwork


Lead, develop and motivate a team to deliver high standards of service. Take a collegiate approach to leading across the UKRI Finance function Develop exceptional collaborative relationships with senior managers and key internal and external stakeholders including the Executive Chair, COO, and Directors. Lead in providing strategic finance advice, driving value for money, and offering challenges to relevant internal and external senior stakeholders, based on strong business awareness and understanding, to ensure robust financial processes. As a recognised expert, work closely with senior stakeholders to bring insight and influence on financial matters to aid in establishing strategic priorities, particularly in more complex or high-risk matters Represent the Finance function and/or UKRI at relevant Executive meetings, Boards and Committees.
Delivery / programmes / projects / process


Responsibility for a range of complex reporting and control functions, positioning Finance to work with the business and link budgets to delivery plans and business cases. Present insightful information and analysis to support effective strategic decision-making, using strong business awareness to present insightful information and analysis and to support effective longer-term decision-making and deliver outcomes in line with Council/UKRI priorities. Ownership and accountability for annual and multi-year budget setting cycles including close work with central strategic finance team and DSIT on dual support issues Lead finance input to the RE payments project Accountability and direction in the development of the finance case within business cases, and input and shape the direction of the other cases. Accountable for ensuring compliance with internal financial, DSIT and HMG controls within assigned business areas. Accountability and responsibility for the production of high-quality reports for Executive meetings, Boards and Committees
Other


Work to create and deliver a long term strategy for the management of cross cutting programmes noting the challenges of time limited projects and redeployment of resources Manage multiple stakeholders with occasionally conflicting priorities to minimise conflict and deliver best value to UKRI.

Essential skills, qualifications and experience

(S) - Assessed at shortlisting


(I) - Assessed at interview


(S&I) - Assessed at both shortlisting and interview

Qualifications:

Qualified Accountant (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA), or willing and able to complete qualification within 12 months. (S)

Experience and knowledge:

High level understanding of accounting and finance, and demonstrable experience of working in senior finance roles and delivering effective financial management. (S, I) Experience of working strategically to balance the conflicting demands of multiple stakeholders whilst protecting the integrity and ownership of financial processes. (S) Significant experience in provision of high quality written and verbal advice, suitable for executive and senior level decision makers. (I) Strategic understanding of the role of governance, risk management and assurance in operational and project delivery and ability to reflect that understanding in advice to the business. (S, I)

Skills and abilities:

Proven ability to build exceptional collaborative relationships with senior stakeholders and influence and challenge them with impact and professional credibility (S, I) Proven ability to lead and motivate a team to deliver high standards of service. (S) Proven high level written and oral communication skills. (I) Personal resilience and a confident approach, willing to apply good judgement to solve issues and find solutions. (I) Strong organisational skills, able to manage and prioritise own and others' workload and meet deadlines in a very timely manner. (S)

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 the Benefits of working for UKRI - UKRI