Innovation Finance Lead

NESO is at the heart of the transformation to a fully decarbonised energy system by 2030, and Innovation is critical to helping us meet the challenges of transitioning to a zero-carbon future.

We work with innovation partners to solve problems arising from the energy system transition and to maximise benefits for the GB System and the end consumer. We co-create and deliver innovation projects with academic and industry partners across sectors. These will help us to operate the electricity transmission system more effectively in the future. More info Innovation | National Energy System Operator

As the Innovation Finance Lead, you will:

• Play a key role in helping the Innovation team manage, report and communicate the financial performance of NESO’s Innovation portfolio, including tracking and monitoring NIA and SIF spend, along with managing the Innovation Cost Centre finances
• Work collaboratively across NESO and the Innovation team to help ensure innovation activity is visible, aligned and delivered effectively

This role can be based from Wokingham or Warwick, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. This is a full time position and we are open to flexible working arrangements.

As the Finance Lead for the Innovation Portfolio Team, you are instrumental to our journey towards zero carbon. You work across NESO teams, and with external stakeholders, to ensure that we are delivering our innovation portfolio of projects against our existing plans. You shape and adapt projects and NESO plans to meet the innovation portfolio objectives. Some key areas you will be working on include:

• Lead Innovation portfolio financial operations, including purchase orders, invoicing, query resolution, project and supplier setup, contractual checks, and financial closure
• Coordinate annual budgets and milestone-aligned forecasts, including Big Ideas and NIA/SIF spend tracking; explain variances and elevate cost pressures, overspends, underspends, delays and funding risks
• Develop financial reports, dashboards and tools for senior leaders and stakeholders, improving data quality, reporting and processes across the portfolio
• Work with Finance, Innovation and wider NESO teams to reconcile expenditure, commitments, accruals and forecasts, monitor Cost Centre spend against budget, and validate partner cost submissions, resolving discrepancies and retaining evidence
• Provide financial data and supporting evidence for annual regulatory reporting and external audits, in line with NIA/SIF governance and NESO licence conditions

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Visa sponsorship may not be available for this role and will be considered in line with business requirements.

We’re looking for energetic self-starters who are passionate about driving the energy system transition and embedding innovation at the heart of NESO. The role would suit someone who can combine strong financial discipline with excellent reporting, data storytelling and collaboration skills. The key skills we are looking for are:

• Experience in leading financial management and reporting for projects, programmes or portfolios
• A degree or qualification in accounting, finance or related discipline is essential
• Strong communication and engagement skills for effective collaboration
• Portfolio and project management skills
• Knowledge of the UK energy system an advantage

A competitive salary of £57,000 - £68,000 dependent on experience and capability

As well as your base salary, NESO’s core benefits are the essential perks and advantages that form part of your employee package.

- You will receive a bonus based on company performance- 26 days annual leave as…