National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER)
Finance Business Partner
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Shape the future: join us as a Finance Business Partner
Are you passionate about aligning financial insight with strategic and operational priorities? We're seeking an enthusiastic Finance Business Partner to join our team and strengthen our financial planning. With a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to work with a globally respected charity, this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference.
Salary: £50,000–£57,000 per annum (non-negotiable)
Annual Leave: 42 days leave (30 days annual leave plus 4 paid closure days and 8 bank holidays)
Pension Contributions: 10% employer contributions
Family Support: Enhanced maternity/parental leave and paid compassionate leave
Flexible Working: Hybrid setup, usually 1 day a week in Slough office and as required, full-time (35 hours).
Job Description
As a Financial Business Partner, you’ll play a pivotal role in supporting the development of long-term financial plans, including scenario planning and risk assessments. You’ll focus on providing clear, actionable insights to support improved organisational performance where trends and risks are identified early, enabling proactive decision-making and continuous improvement in financial and operational outcomes. You’ll also be responsible for leading bid costing and pricing to ensure full cost recovery, appropriate risk assessment, and competitive pricing.
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Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and update in-year forecasts to reflect performance, risks, and opportunities.
- Lead the preparation and delivery of monthly management accounts.
- Deliver high-quality financial and commercial analysis.
- Deliver regular financial review meetings to assess performance, challenge assumptions, and agree actions.
- Provide financial input into high-value and complex bids.
- Support and lead project financial planning, including budgets, margins, and lifecycle profitability.
Person Specification
Essential Skills And Experience
- Qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA).
- Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and financial planning processes.
- Proven experience delivering management accounting, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Significant experience in providing financial insight and business partnering support to senior stakeholders.
- Proven experience in financial analysis and using data to inform decision-making.
- Experience in project costing and supporting bids or commercial proposals.
Other roles you may have experience of include: Finance Manager, Commercial Finance Manager, FP&A Manager or Senior Finance Executive.
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Why NFER?
At NFER, we are recognised globally for providing trusted research, resources and insights that drive meaningful change. By joining us, you’ll contribute to a mission that prioritises impact over profit, working in an environment where collaboration, flexibility, and inclusion are valued.
What We Offer
- A supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
- Opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career.
- Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance from day 1.
- The chance to make a real difference in the education sector.
Application Process
We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and encourage you to apply early.
We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, and are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. If you require any adjustments, alternative document formats or accommodations at any stage, please do not hesitate to contact us at HR@nfer.ac.uk. Further details can also be found in the Job Information Pack.
If you’re ready to bring your skills and passion to a role that makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and start your journey with NFER.
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