Deputy Finance Director

Deputy Finance Director

Hours: Full time, Open Ended

Salary: £87,565 - £99,000 per annum.

Base Location: Swindon or London, hybrid working with travel to both

About Us:

UKRI launched in April 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Our organisation brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England, which is responsible for supporting research and knowledge exchange at higher education institutions in England, and the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK. Together we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. More information can be found at www.ukri.org.  

About the role:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Deputy Finance Director to join our leadership team. Reporting directly to the UKRI Finance Director, you will play a fundamental role in developing and implementing financial strategies, overseeing financial operations, and providing financial guidance to senior management. This role will have management responsibility for up to 10 direct reports of varying seniority and will also involve providing leadership to the Finance Directorate and ensuring effective financial management across all UKRI business areas of a team of up to 130 finance staff. 

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership / Teamwork / Collaboration:

• Collaborate closely with senior Finance Business Partners and stakeholders to ensure effective management of UKRI finances and advise on complex financial issues
• Lead the Finance Business Partnering function, driving up standards and ensuring high-quality financial support across the organisation
• Act as an ambassador for the Finance Business Partner model, highlighting its benefits for all staff and managers
• Manage and develop a team of finance professionals, implementing succession planning and fostering talent development
• Play an active role in UKRI’s senior finance team, leading cross-cutting workstreams and deputising for the Finance Director as necessary

Delivery / Programmes / Projects / Process:

• Lead the transformation of the finance business partnering function, maximising the potential of new HR and Finance systems to deliver improved efficiency and effectiveness
• Ensure effective financial support for UKRI cross-cutting activities and programmes.
• Maintain a robust internal control environment in line with governing guidelines
• Provide leadership for finance support across various UKRI programmes, including Horizon Europe (HEu) and Official Development Assistance (ODA) budgets
• Lead delivery of the Finance function Centers of Excellence

About you:

Essential:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA)
• Extensive senior-level experience in financial management
• Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills
• Ability to operate strategically and contribute to corporate plans
• Experience in leading large teams and fostering talent development
• Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity and challenge while balancing stakeholder demands

Desirable:

• Experience in public sector accounting, budgeting, and controls
• Familiarity with the Higher Education sector and/or research and innovation sectors  

For the full role, responsibilities and requirements, please visit our Careers Portal.  

Benefits:

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.  For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI. 

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and suitability for the role against the full specification. The closing date for applications is Sunday 28 April 2024. Interviews are expected to take place early June 2024.

UKRI is an inclusive employer that values diversity in its workforce. We encourage applications from all individuals without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age.