We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Finance Business Partner to join our team at Cefas. Cefas is a world leader in marine science and technology, providing expert evidence and advice to help drive sustainable growth while tackling the serious global problems of climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security. Our work is of real importance to achieving key UK Government objectives and furthering international scientific progress.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual who is passionate about making a difference through their work and is committed to continuous personal development and learning. You will work with our Finance Team to help ensure Cefas delivers our UK Government objectives, great value for money and financial professionalism. We recognise the exciting technological opportunities that data and AI present to our profession and are very interested in candidates with related skills and experience who want to apply these to help transform our financial management.

At Cefas, our people are at the heart of everything we do, we are an inclusive community and welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and capabilities. We value enthusiasm, professionalism, and your sense of fun. We are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all genders and communities.

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Cefas are growing our impact in the UK and overseas creating new demands for our Finance Team to apply the new technologies and data skills to build efficient and effective business support solutions as well as proactive strategic planning. We expect this to include new investment in our core systems and processes.

Role Responsibilities

• Working in a dynamic and supportive finance environment, using finance systems, sound Excel skills and wider data and AI orientated solutions.
• Delivering high quality and transparent internal and external reporting including producing the financial statements for the Annual Report and Accounts.
• Lead with external audit over the audit period to ensure smooth progression of the Annual Report and Accounts to meet the laying timetable.
• Acting as a subject expert, providing technical accounting advice in line with IFRS and the financial reporting manual (FReM) and other relevant Government guidance documents.
• Producing valued and timely management financial reporting and Business Planning outputs.
• Lead and review of VAT and other statutory returns.
• Completion of monthly Defra group reporting packs.
• Analysing current processes to identify and implement ways to improve processes and financial control.
• Proudly providing excellent customer service.
• Building and maintaining our Cefas Values through respectful, working relationships with all our colleagues, funding partners and suppliers and enhancing our equity, diversity and inclusivity.
• We additionally expect colleagues to continue to develop and grow their duties and responsibilities, commensurate with their grade.

In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.