Senior Finance Business Partner

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

£55,939 - £61,530

Who are we?

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.

The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.

Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.

About the role

The Senior Finance Business Partner (SFBP) will support the organisation through developing insightful reporting and providing information and advice to aid in making sound strategic decisions. The role holder will ensure excellent timely information is provided to the business enabling it to assess its current and future projections. Project reporting will be the core foundation of the reporting development.

This role will be at the heart of the organisation, it will play a significant part in helping shape the organisation and its future. It will be integral to supporting the organisation through useful analysis of its projects, while working with senior leaders to better understand the performance of their departments and divisions. The SFBP will support in forecasting forward utilising the orderbook (where applicable) and aid in closing opportunities that align/position the organisation to meet its strategic objectives.

With the development of the reporting (through utilising the ERP systems and processes that support the organisation) the aim is to create industry leading reporting that will give the organisation a strategic edge. There will continue to be a need to create long term business plans, with an expectation to undertake scenario planning to predict possible outcomes following identification of risks and opportunities that may impact on the delivery to the plan.

About you

We are looking for a qualified accountant that is commercially astute, tenacious, and very dynamic. The individual will be able to work at all levels, grasping detail, understanding data structures while being able to apply accounting practices to complex situations.

Experience working with Unit4 would be advantageous.

Why NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

- 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays

- a 10% employer contribution pension scheme

- access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues

- access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards

- a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories

- a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations

Location

This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.

The NOC has a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.

Please note, due to UK visa salary thresholds, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position. We are therefore only able to consider applicants who have the right to work in the UK without the need for employer sponsorship.

We may be able to offer financial support for applicants who will need to relocate for this position.

Submitting an application 

Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07355 676794.

Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.

Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme for suitable candidates with a disability. The NOC is an Investors in People organisation.

Date advert posted: 13/07/2026

Closing date: 07/08/2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.