About the job

Job summary

Finance Director – Innovate UK 

Full time, Open Ended 

£87,565 - £99,000 per annum.  

Base Location at 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 highly skilled and experienced Finance Director to join our dynamic team. You will be responsible for providing high-calibre professional financial management support across Innovate UK and its associated entities. This role is pivotal in ensuring the efficient deployment of funding and other business support services to meet our objectives and drive financial performance. 

Job description

Key Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate closely with the Innovate UK CEO, senior leadership team and other key stakeholders to manage finances effectively and advise on complex financial issues 
• Lead the Finance Business Partnering function, ensuring high standards are maintained and developed 
• Act as an ambassador for the Finance Business Partner model, driving up standards across the organisation 
• Provide strategic financial input to drive performance and continuous improvement 
• Ensure delivery of financial outcomes consistent with budget allocations 
• Develop long-term financial plans aligned with organisational objectives 
• Maintain a robust internal control environment in accordance with governing guidelines 
• Lead and manage organisational projects and responsibilities within the finance domain 

Person specification

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 change leadership and delivery 
• Commercial acumen and business development expertise 
• Ability to manage ambiguity and challenge while balancing stakeholder demands 

Desirable: 

• Experience in public sector accounting and budgeting 
• Knowledge of managing public money requirements 

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

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £87,565, UK Research and Innovation contributes £23,642 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

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. 

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.