Senior Finance Business Partner(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

The University of Sussex is creating a new and influential role for a Senior Finance Business Partner to support major strategic development initiatives across the institution. This position sits at the heart of decision-making, working closely with senior leaders to shape financially sustainable growth aligned with the University’s Strategy 2035.

If you enjoy working at the intersection of strategy, finance, and impact — and translating complex numbers into confident decisions this role offers genuine influence and visibility.

 The Purpose of the Role

As Senior Finance Business Partner, you will act as a trusted strategic adviser to academic and professional leaders. Your focus will be on enabling sound financial decisions that support new and existing income-generating initiatives across education, research, and wider commercial activity.

You’ll help turn ideas into robust business cases, ensuring that ambition is matched by financial sustainability.

 What You’ll Be Doing

Strategic Finance & Business Development

• Provide expert financial insight to support the University’s strategic growth initiatives.
• Analyse and evaluate new business opportunities and performance improvement projects.
• Work with Directors of Service and academic business leads to develop proposals for Executive-level prioritisation.

Business Planning & Decision Support

• Build and review detailed business cases, financial models, and investment appraisals.
• Support forecasting, budgeting, and long-term financial planning for strategic initiatives.
• Present financial information clearly and credibly to non-financial audiences, enabling confident decision-making.

Partnership & Collaboration

• Partner across academic schools and professional services to support a diverse portfolio of income-generating activities.
• Strengthen financial capability and literacy across the University alongside fellow Senior Finance Business Partners.
• Contribute to consistent, high-quality business partnering practice within the Finance Division.

 About You

You are an experienced finance business partner who enjoys working in complex, multi-stakeholder environments and influencing decisions at a senior level.

You will bring:

• Proven experience in Higher Education or a similarly large, complex organisation.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to build and interpret financial models and business cases.
• Confidence communicating complex financial information in a clear, accessible way.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to build strong relationships with academic and non-academic colleagues.
• Experience supporting senior leaders with strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• You are proactive, solutions-focused, and comfortable navigating ambiguity while maintaining financial rigour.

 About the Finance Division

The Finance Division is led by the Director of Finance, reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor. With around 80 staff, the Division provides high-quality financial and commercial services that support both day-to-day operations and long-term strategic priorities.

The team works closely with colleagues across the University to:

• Identify and develop commercial and strategic opportunities
• Manage financial risk and improve value for money
• Equip staff with the financial confidence and insight needed to make the best use of resources

 Why Work at the University of Sussex?

• A stunning 150-acre campus set against the South Downs National Park.
• Excellent transport links, including Falmer train station directly next to campus.
• Cycle-to-work scheme and dedicated cycling infrastructure.
• A research-led, internationally respected university driven by collaboration and people.
• Competitive rewards, benefits, and wellbeing support.

 Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Sussex values diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

 Right to Work & Visa Information

• All work for the University must be undertaken in the UK.
• This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, subject to eligibility criteria.
• Assigned SOC code: 1131, with a current going rate of £75,100.
• Eligibility for sponsorship depends on the salary offered and/or existing Skilled Worker permission granted before 4 April 2024.

 Official UK Government & Sector Resources

The following official resources may be useful for applicants:

• 🇬🇧 UK Visas & Immigration – Skilled Worker Visa
•  UK Government – Employment Rights and Status
•  Office for Students (England) – Higher education regulation and funding context
•  HM Treasury – Managing Public Money (public sector finance principles)
•  Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) – UK HE finance and data

 Key Dates

• Closing Date: 26 January 2026, 3:59 PM
• Interviews: Week commencing 9 February 2026
• Start Date: As soon as possible (subject to notice periods