Finance Business Partner

At DSIT we're all about improving people's lives by maximising the potential of science & technology.

We accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, research and development.

We use technology for good by ensuring new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK, with the benefits more widely shared.

We are driving forward a modern digital government which gives citizens a more satisfying experience and their time back.

We do all this to enable the Government's 5 national missions: kickstarting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower, taking back our streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity and building an NHS fit for the future.

Above all, we focus on improving people's lives. Whether it's researching new treatments for disease, developing better batteries, reducing burdens through better public services, keeping children safe online, and much more, outcomes for citizens are at the heart of what we do.

Job description

The roles being advertised are part of the Growth, Science, International and Technology Finance Business Partner Team. The team covers funding from fundamental science and research delivered through partner organisations including UK Research and Innovation and the Advanced Research and Invention Agency, to development of emerging technologies such as Quantum and Engineering Biology, investment in key UK technology sectors and delivery of major space programmes.

Finance Business Partners (FBPs) play a vital role in placing finance at the heart of decision-making across the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST). They act as trusted advisers to Directors and senior leaders, building strong relationships to provide high-quality financial insight, constructive challenge and strategic support.

FBPs translate complex financial information into clear, actionable advice and work across policy, operational and commercial areas to influence outcomes, ensure value for money and keep the Accounting Officer safe.

They lead and shape financial planning for their business areas, financial business cases, and identify risks, opportunities and emerging pressures.

As business experts with strong communication and stakeholder skills, FBPs bridge the gap between the business and wider finance teams, ensuring alignment with Managing Public Money, internal controls and BIST's priorities.

They champion the use of data and evidence to strengthen financial management and support better decision-making.

Person specification

• Provide expert financial advice, challenge and insight to senior leaders, influencing strategic and operational decisions.
• Lead financial planning, forecasting and reporting for business areas, ensuring alignment with BIST's goals and Managing Public Money.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with Directors and stakeholders, acting as the primary point of contact for finance.
• Support effective financial oversight of the ALB portfolio, working with sponsorship, policy and finance teams to understand allocations, risks, performance and governance requirements.
• Support development of credible business cases, financial appraisals and Accounting Officer assessments.
• Use financial data, analysis and tools to identify trends, risks, opportunities and future pressures.
• Promote strong financial governance by challenging weaknesses in controls and process compliance.
• Engage early in policy development to ensure financial considerations shape proposals and programme design.
• Support and coach colleagues to build financial capability across the business and within the finance profession.

Essential Criteria

• Fully qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) or willing to work towards qualification with significant relevant experience
• Experience providing high-quality strategic financial advice, insight and constructive challenge to senior leaders, including on risks, trade-offs and affordability. Strong financial planning and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret budgets, forecasts and performance data to drive evidence-based decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with confidence to build trusted relationships and challenge senior colleagues.
• Knowledge of financial governance, business case development and Managing Public Money and Accounting Officer assurance principles.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and persuasively to non-finance audiences.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in a finance partnering or strategic finance role in government.
• Experience working with or supporting ALBs, sponsorship teams or public body oversight.
• Understanding of government financial frameworks such as MPM, FReM and Consolidated Budgeting Guidance.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £58,275, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology contributes £16,882 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology offers a competitive mix of benefits including:

• A culture of flexible working, such as job sharing, homeworking and compressed hours.
• Automatic enrolment into the Civil Service Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
• An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities, which all staff are actively encouraged to pursue.
• Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.