Main Purpose of the Job

NBI Partnership is looking for a fully qualified accountant with excellent and demonstrable IT and systems knowledge to work within the finance team.   The role will be pivotal in preparing the finance team for the upcoming finance system change and will be focused on the areas outside financial control, particularly the preparation of management accounts.

Working closely with the Finance Director, the role will operate with a high level of autonomy and will be expected to provide expert advice across complex finance and system‑related matters. The post holder is critical to strengthening the resilience, capability, and future sustainability of the Finance Team.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Lead on the management accounts preparation process review, highlight differences and suggesting improvements to the Finance Director.  Develop and maintain complex financial reports and dashboards using tools such as Power BI.

Responsible for reviewing cross institute/ technical platform recharge processes. Identify inefficiencies and risks, recommending improvements to strengthen controls, accuracy, and auditability.

Develop and implement reporting frameworks for areas such as energy and capital

Closely review the document system processes, workflows, and procedures, ensuring these are fit for purpose and analysing where improvements are required using advanced systems knowledge and expertise.

Act as the main liaison between the finance team and IT department.

Analyse existing accounting processes and lead system‑based enhancements to improve efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness.  

Ensure integrity, consistency, and accuracy of financial data across all finance systems and reports.

Act as a key point of contact for troubleshooting system issues and provide user support

Work with the relevant senior staff to deliver the automation of financial processes to improve efficiency

Ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal controls

As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post.

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

Degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, or related field

Essential

Professional qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, or ACA)

Essential

Strong experience in accounting, finance systems, or similar role

Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Advanced Excel and data analysis skills

Essential

Experience with reporting software such as Power BI

Essential

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

Essential

Analytical thinking

Essential

Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting

Essential

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics)

Essential

Experience of grant funding

Essential

Experience with system implementation or process improvement is advantageous

Desirable

Working in a not for profit environment or similar

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Essential

Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well as part of a team

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Partnership, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Partnership, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Partnership

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

NBI Partnership

The NBI Partnership provides non-scientific services to the John Innes Centre (JIC), Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Earlham Institute (EI) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL). All of these organisations carry out scientific research funded by the UK Government, European Union, Charitable and Industrial Sponsors. The Partnership employs around 140 staff to cater for the needs of approximately 1100 Research Staff, Students and Visiting Scientists who are all located in close proximity on the Norwich Research Park.

The John Innes Centre, Quadram Institute Bioscience, the Earlham Institute and The Sainsbury Laboratory are registered charities (No’s 223852, 1058499, 1136213 and 106550) and are Equal Opportunity Employers.

For more information about working at NBI Partnership, please click here.

Department

Finance

Living in Norfolk

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Systems Accountant

The NBI Partnership (NBIP) has an exciting opportunity for a Systems Accountant to join their busy Finance department.

The role will be pivotal in preparing the finance team for the upcoming finance system change and will be focused on the areas outside financial control, particularly the preparation of management accounts.

Background:

The Norwich Bioscience Institutes are a cluster of internationally renowned research organisations, working to tackle major challenges of the 21st Century – the sustainability of our environment, our food supplies and healthy ageing. 

The NBI Partnership provides high quality, non-scientific support services for the diverse community of staff, students and visiting workers at the Institutes (the Earlham Institute, John Innes Centre, The Sainsbury Laboratory and Quadram Institute Bioscience) and for the NBI Partnership.

Based on the Norwich Research Park amongst 230 hectares of parkland, you will be joining a committed, professional and welcoming team.  In addition, you will enjoy a competitive salary and annual leave, our defined contribution pension scheme, excellent recreational facilities and a range of other employee benefits.

The role:

Working closely with the Finance Director, the role will operate with a high level of autonomy and will be expected to provide expert advice across complex finance and system‑related matters. The post holder is critical to strengthening the resilience, capability, and future sustainability of the Finance Team.

The ideal candidate:

The ideal candidate will have a Degree in Accounting/Finance or related discipline, as well as a professional qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, or ACA).

You will have excellent and demonstrable IT and systems knowledge, working with reporting software such as Power BI and ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle or Microsoft Dynamics. The post holder is expected to demonstrate a strong ability to problem solve, think analytically and work independently.

Additional information:

Salary on appointment will be within the range £45,450 to £56,750. per annum depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time for a contract of 6 months.

The NBI Partnership is an equal opportunities and disability confident employer. We are committed to attracting, recruiting and retaining the best talent, and welcome all applications.

The closing date for applications will be 30 Jun 2026.

We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.