Senior Finance Manager Role at Cancer Research UK

Credible financial planning. Informed decision-making. Shaping the future.

Senior Finance Manager (Scientific Research & Innovation)

• Salary: £68,000 – £72,000 (+ Benefits)
• Reports to: Head of Finance (Core Purpose)
• Department: Chief Operating Office
• Contract: 12-month fixed-term

If you’re currently on a permanent contract, we’re open to exploring this role as an external secondment. This would allow you to work for Cancer Research UK under a skills exchange programme while remaining on your current organisation’s payroll. Cancer Research UK would pay your company as a supplier, enabling you to return to your original organisation once this contract ends.

• Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
  Location: Stratford, London. Flexible working arrangement (1-2 days per week in the office).
  Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Cancer Research UK is unable to provide visa sponsorship.
• Closing Date: 29 November 2024, 23:55

This vacancy may close early if we receive a high volume of applications or find a suitable candidate. Apply early to avoid missing out. If you require additional time as part of a reasonable adjustment, contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk promptly.

Recruitment Process:

• Two competency-based interviews (the first stage will take place onsite in Stratford).
• Interview Date: 05 December 2024.

How to Apply:

To ensure fairness and inclusivity, Cancer Research UK operates an anonymised shortlisting process. CVs are required for all applications but will only be reviewed if you’re invited to an interview. Instead, please complete the work history section in the online application form to allow us to assess candidates objectively and efficiently.

About Us

At Cancer Research UK, we’re here to beat cancer.

Every day, we act with purpose and professionalism, but we must go further and faster. To achieve this, we’re seeking talented individuals eager to grow their skills and make a difference—someone like you.

Our Finance team plays a vital role in managing funds raised through the generosity of the public. This ensures the smooth running of our operations and supports our mission to beat cancer. This role sits within our Core Purpose Finance team as the Senior Finance Manager for our Scientific Research & Innovation (R&I) and Policy, Information & Communications (PIC) directorates.

Cancer Research UK is the largest independent, non-commercial funder of cancer research globally. Our R&I directorate unites scientists, clinicians, and global partners to drive innovation in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In 2023/24, we allocated £400m to life-saving research and are on track to invest over £1.5b in research over five years as part of our Discover, Translate, and Partner strategies.

PIC focuses on reducing barriers that hinder innovations in cancer care. They leverage expertise and influence to ensure research outcomes benefit the public and position the UK as a leader in cancer care and policy.

As Senior Finance Manager, you will oversee financial planning, reporting, and analysis for these high-impact areas. You’ll collaborate closely with leaders in R&I and PIC to support financial decision-making, forecasting, and strategic development. You’ll also lead the Core Purpose Finance team (4 direct reports), coaching and supporting them to meet the financial needs of R&I and PIC.

If you’re a qualified Finance Manager or Business Partner with experience in large scientific or research organisations and enjoy building strong relationships with senior stakeholders, we’d love to have you on our mission.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead the financial planning for the Scientific Research & Innovation (R&I) directorate, which includes managing budgets, forecasts, and 5-year financial plans, while supporting strategy development.
• Oversee the preparation of monthly and quarterly reports for R&I and Policy, Information & Communications (PIC):
  • Analyse financial trends and activities.
  • Feed insights into forecasts and long-term planning.
  • Scrutinise financial outcomes to inform decisions and strategies.
• Develop a deep understanding of R&I and PIC operations, including external economic factors impacting these areas.
• Build and maintain credible relationships with Directors and Heads of R&I and PIC, collaborating on financial processes and reporting needs.
• Manage a team of 4 (2 Finance Managers, 1 Senior Finance Analyst, and 1 Finance Analyst):
  • Support and develop team members in preparing management accounts, variance analysis, and forecasts.
  • Drive continuous improvement in financial services and business partnering.
• Embody Cancer Research UK’s leadership values by:
  • Driving impact with clarity and decisive action.
  • Collaborating as part of a collective mission.
  • Creating an inclusive and empowering workplace for your team.
  • Fostering innovation by valuing fresh ideas and challenges.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified or QBE Finance Manager or Business Partner (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with experience in financial planning within large scientific or research organisations (e.g., life sciences, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or charity sectors).
• Expertise in financial modelling, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and year-end statements.
• Proven ability to partner with and influence senior stakeholders (including Directors) in financial decision-making.
• Experience managing and developing teams, including setting objectives, tracking performance, and supporting improvement.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Proactive in identifying opportunities for operational improvements and implementing effective financial controls.
• Ability to manage deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and meeting expectations.

Our Values

At Cancer Research UK, we live by our core values:

• Bold: We act with ambition and courage.
• Credible: We approach work with professionalism and rigour.
• Human: We strive to positively impact people.
• Together: We value inclusivity and collaboration.

We seek candidates who embody these values and can help us progress in our mission to beat cancer.

If you’re unsure whether your skills fully match the requirements, we encourage you to apply.

What You’ll Gain

We offer a supportive working environment, generous benefits, and opportunities for career and personal development. Explore our benefits on the careers page of our website.

Additional Information

For more about this role or Cancer Research UK, contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.

Stay connected and updated on our work and careers via LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups, including ethnic minority communities.

If you need adjustments during the application or interview process, or at work, contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400.

Please note: Applicants must be 18 or older due to safeguarding considerations.