Finance Business Partner

Finance Business Partner

London/Hybrid

3 months contract initially

400 per day via Umbrella Company

Our commitment is to provide equal opportunity regardless of, for example, your gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or beliefs. We also engage with employers to develop programmes and pathways that embrace diverse talent and promote more inclusive employment worldwide through partnerships and other initiatives. We recognise and celebrate the value of difference and how it makes us faster, smarter and more innovative than our competition.

My client is a leading global centre for the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research. It brings together expertise in languages, cultures, and societies with a strong focus on addressing contemporary global challenges. With a commitment to diversity, social justice, and academic excellence, it serves as a hub for critical thinking and innovative scholarship that shapes policy and practice worldwide.

They are looking for a Finance Business Partner to join the team on an initial 3 month contract with the potential to extend. The position is based in London, hybrid working being in the office 2 days a week, working Monday to Friday, standard office hours.

About the department

The Finance and Procurement department is part of the central administration of the University. The department is responsible for leading on the annual finance and planning cycles including supporting staff in financial and student number forecasting and reporting; preparing returns to regulatory bodies; financial analysis to support decision-making, investment appraisal and performance benchmarking; audited statutory accounts; processing and maintenance of the University's financial receipts and payments; compliance with internal financial controls and tax legislation; and procurement. The principal financial software is Agresso Business World (Unit4).

Purpose of the role

The Finance Business Partner (FBP) will be the lead finance professional providing support to Professional Services Departments. The FBP will work in a cluster alongside other business partners, while reporting to the Senior Finance Business Partner in the central Finance and Procurement Directorate.

Key responsibilities

• Budgeting, Forecasting and Reporting -act as the interface between Professional Services Departments, central finance teams for planning, preparing the University's annual budget and for forecasting. Assist in reviewing, updating and monitoring the University's staffing budget;
• Monthly Performance Monitoring -produce monthly management accounts, monthly budget statements, commentaries and other information needed for the Departments and support the relevant Head of Department/Director of Professional Services in identifying risks of overspends and agreeing mitigations for Operational, and Capital budgets;
• Analysis & Reporting- combine quantitative, qualitative data and statistical analysis to highlight trends, share insights and evaluate alternatives against business objectives;
• Support to Financial Operations - provide advice and support to academic and professional services staff and to students, including directions on appropriate routes into the University's financial transactions, University's procedures and processes;
• Knowledge Sharing & Change- identify and drive process and performance improvement, coaching and leadership to stakeholders as appropriate;
• Accounting - participate in month end and year end processes and support the preparation of the University's financial statements and ensure that the overall deadlines are met;
• Reporting - contribute to external and internal (for example monthly budget holder reports) reports as needed;
• Train budget holders on financial management processes and deliver Agresso training to budget holders; update training material when necessary;
• Review all new Programme proposalsfrom both a Financial and Operational viewpoint, questioning and challenging assumptions and costings and ensuring all Financials are updated to reflect as accurate a position as possible;
• Assistwith the development of business cases including the provision of advice and information on the costs of new initiatives; and
• Maintain a Risks and Opportunities scheduleagainst budget and KPIs.

Candidates must be able to show evidence of the above in their CV to be considered. Evidence of written work will be requested prior to your application being submitted to the business.

Please be advised if you haven't heard from us within 48 hours then unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion, we may however keep your details on file for any suitable future vacancies and contact you.

We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.