Interim Assistant Finance Business Partner
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
This job is eligible only on a shortage list. Ineligible if it's SOC 4124
£37,000 / year
Salary
Within the market range
£48,700
Going rate
Offer is 0.8× the going rate
This role may qualify for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 3533 is an eligible occupation, but we are only 33% sure that is the right code. NIAB. is a licensed sponsor, so if the code fits, the role should qualify. Check the occupation eligibility rules against what the job actually involves.
We pick the code from the advert's text, so it is our best guess, not the employer's. Each code it could be has its own likelihood:
- Possible 3533 (Financial and accounting technicians) · 33% match
- Ineligible 4124 (Finance officers) · 23% match
- Possible 2421 (Chartered and certified accountants) · 21% match
Ask NIAB. what the duties are.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3533 Financial and accounting technicians Most likely code | £34,100 Clears | £48,700 Misses | £48,700 Misses | £48,700 Misses |
4124 Finance officers Also possible | £33,400 Clears | £41,700 Misses | £41,700 Misses | £41,700 Misses |
2421 Chartered and certified accountants Also possible | £34,500 Clears | £39,400 Misses | £44,300 Misses | £49,200 Misses |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Job Title: Interim Assistant Finance Business Partner
Location: Cambridge, CB24 9AT
Salary: £37,000 per annum
Contract: 9-month fixed term contract
Working hours: 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Closing date: 30 October 2026
About the Role
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Interim Assistant Finance Business Partner to join our Finance team on a 9-month fixed-term contract. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious finance professional who is studying towards a professional qualification or has significant relevant experience and is looking to further develop their business partnering and financial analysis skills.
Working closely with our Senior Finance Business Partners, you will play a key role in supporting financial management across a diverse portfolio of projects and operational activities. You will help provide accurate financial information, prepare funding claims, support budgeting and forecasting processes, and act as a trusted finance contact for colleagues across the organisation. Your key responsibilities will include:
• Produce financial and cost analysis reports to support informed decision-making.
• Prepare grant funding claims and compile supporting audit evidence.
• Review project funding requests and financial proposals.
• Analyse and re-code project costs and income where required.
• Raise invoices accurately and in a timely manner.
• Prepare journals and supporting schedules for monthly management accounts.
• Assist with annual budgeting and periodic forecasting exercises.
• Support project managers with income recognition and project financial reporting.
• Maintain and update project information within our finance systems.
• Provide first-line support for finance system users and business queries.
• Assist with the preparation of information for financial and grant audits.
• Contribute to process improvements and support wider finance projects as required.
This interim opportunity offers valuable exposure to business partnering, project accounting, grant funding and management reporting within a collaborative and supportive finance team. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills, work with a wide range of stakeholders, and contribute to meaningful projects during a period of organisational growth and change.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will have:
Essential Requirements
• Experience in a finance, financial analysis, management accounting, or business partnering environment.
• Good understanding of accounting principles, including debits, credits, accruals and provisions.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including functions such as VLOOKUPs, SUMIFs and Pivot Tables.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
• Strong communication skills with the confidence to work effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• A recognised accountancy qualification (AAT, ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent) or be actively studying towards one. Qualified by experience candidates are also encourage to apply.
Desirable Requirements
• Experience using Xledger or a similar ERP/finance system.
• Experience working with grant-funded projects or external funding claims.
We are looking for someone who demonstrates:
• Integrity, professionalism and accountability.
• A proactive approach to solving problems and improving processes.
• A collaborative and inclusive working style.
• A commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes and excellent customer service.
Location
The role is based at Niab’s Park Farm Campus, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9AT — just 4 miles from Cambridge city centre. The site offers free on site parking and is well connected by cycle routes and regular bus services to the city centre and railway station. It is also close to Junction 32 of the A14, with easy access to the M11, A10 and A11.
Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Mark Spraggins, Head of Finance ([email protected])
Click link below for the full Job Description.
Niab is the UK’s leading crop science organisation, with research capabilities in plant genetics, agronomy, farming systems and data science, the largest national field trials capability, and strong research links with industry, Government and academia. With headquarters in Cambridge, and regional offices across the country, employing over 350 people across the UK, Niab advances the role of plant genetic resources through research services and training. Niab’s position at the interface of academic research and commercial breeding offers opportunities for strong collaborations across the plant sciences sector.
Benefits include 25 days holiday plus public holidays and 3 days off during the Christmas period, generous sick pay, attractive pension scheme, income protection, life assurance, employee discount scheme and a comprehensive training program.
Niab actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have a positive approach to employing people living with a disability.
About the Application Process
Apply by clicking the Apply button above, please read the Job Description, which provide full details about the role, application process and what to expect.
Important Information
• This is a UK-based role. You will be required to demonstrate your right to work in the UK as part of the recruitment process.
• Where the role meets the relevant criteria, we are able to consider Skilled Worker visa sponsorship in line with Home Office requirements. Any offer of sponsorship will be subject to the role meeting the skill and salary thresholds and to the individual meeting the Home Office eligibility criteria.
• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010.
• Niab reserves the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with NIAB., so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Financial and accounting technicians (SOC 3533) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~29k in sample- Offer £37,000
- Middle half £36,920–74,152
- Median £57,720
- Going rate £48,700
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £34,100–43,830
The range sits inside the market's middle half (£36,920–74,152), so this is typical pay for the occupation.
This pay misses the £48,700 standard floor, but clears the £34,100 new entrant rate.
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Browse more sponsored jobs at NIAB.About sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. NIAB. holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 3533 going rate of £48,700. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.