Senior Finance Business Partner

Location: Clarendon Building, Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG

Are you a finance professional with a passion for building collaborative relationships with stakeholders? 

An opportunity has arisen for a full-time, permanent Senior Finance Business Partner in the Bodleian Libraries. 

About the role

The Bodleian Libraries, a network of 26 academic libraries across Oxford, is the largest academic library service in the UK and one of the largest library services in Europe, providing an excellent service to support the learning, teaching and research objectives of the University of Oxford. The famous Bodleian Library, the cornerstone of this network, has been acquiring items from around the world for over 400 years. Collectively, the libraries now hold over 13 million items.

The Bodleian Libraries are seeking a highly motivated Senior Finance Business Partner, a pivotal position within the Accounts team that will build relationships, support, advise and challenge Senior Managers within the Libraries. 

Reporting to the Head of Finance, the postholder will be responsible for all budgeting, forecasting, planning and analysis of a defined area of the Bodleian’s performance, delivering reports and insight that link financial information to departmental strategies.

They will deputise for the Head of Finance as required and will be able to communicate complex financial information or concepts to stakeholders at all levels of financial competence, both verbally and through written reports, charts, etc. 

This is a permanent, full-time post working 37.5 hours per week. This role supports working from home up to 2 days per week.

About You

The postholder requires strong financial acumen, including an ability to identify cost savings and/or efficiency improvements, helping to ensure the Bodleian Libraries meet the stretching financial targets set over the coming years. Excellent interpersonal skills are needed to establish credibility and influence change amongst those you support, and ensure key messages are delivered clearly and succinctly. An ability to develop strong relationships with external stakeholders, where appropriate, is also required.

Please refer to the job description for full details of the selection criteria that you will be assessed against. 

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting statement as part of your online application. Your supporting statement should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. The Chair of this recruitment panel will be Paul Layland, Head of Finance, who can be contacted with inquiries relating to the role (paul.layland@bodleian.ox.ac.uk). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk).

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday on Friday 5th September 2025 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place in the week commencing 22nd September 2025.

Advert information