Finance Business Partner

On behalf of DSTL, we are looking for a Finance Business Partner (Inside IR35) for a 9‑month contract based in Salisbury, 3 days a week in the office.

DSTL is the Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s science and technology organisation, providing unique expertise, crucial insights and delivering battle‑winning solutions for the benefit of the nation and allies.

• Act as a strategic partner to the business by translating financial information into meaningful insight, guiding decisions, and supporting delivery of organisational objectives.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholders, serving as the first point of contact for financial queries and promoting a culture of proactive problem solving.
• Support business planning by developing credible financial plans, monitoring performance against targets, and advising stakeholders at key meetings and boards.
• Provide expert financial analysis, challenge, and scrutiny, including input to business cases, investment appraisals, budgets, and forecasts to ensure value for money and compliance with standards.
• Bridge the gap between business areas and the wider finance function, ensuring leaders receive accurate, timely, and relevant financial advice.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance processes, organisational effectiveness, and financial capability across the business.
• Demonstrate strong judgement, openness to challenge, and innovative thinking while effectively managing complex issues and seeking guidance where appropriate.

• CCAB or CIMA qualified accountant.
• Influencing and building strong relationships with both finance and non‑finance senior colleagues.
• High delivery focus with integrity.
• Good understanding of pricing and charging structures (CDEL & RDEL).
• Good understanding of current reporting/presentation tools and techniques.
• SC Clearance is an essential requirement; must be willing & eligible to undergo checks and hold an active clearance where possible.
• UK Nationals only; the role can only be worked within the UK.

• Investment appraisal expertise.
• Awareness of government accounting and Managing Public Money.
• Preparation of formal papers to Executive/Board committees and Ministerial offices.
• Knowledge of MODs Annual Budget Cycle process.
• Understanding of Strategic Partnering/Outsourcing Contracts.

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, DSTL guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

As a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, DSTL guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge that the role falls within the scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs; consequently, the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will differ.