£75,000 - £80,000 per annum plus benefits
Reports to: Head of Finance
Directorate: Finance, Governance, Assurance
Contract: 6 Month Fixed Term Contract
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: Stratford, London Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)
Closing date: 17 November 2026 23:55
Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
Recruitment process: 2 stage competency based interview
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
Cancer Research Horizons (CRH) is Cancer Research UK's innovation and commercialisation arm, helping turn world-class cancer research into new treatments, diagnostics and technologies that benefit patients.
We're looking for an experienced finance leader on 6-month FTC to partner with CRH during an exciting period of growth and innovation. You'll provide strategic financial support across a diverse portfolio that includes venture investments, licensing agreements, spin-outs and drug development opportunities.
This is a unique opportunity to use your financial expertise to support the commercialisation of pioneering cancer research. You'll work at the intersection of finance, science and innovation, helping bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
What will I be doing?
Act as the senior finance business partner and trusted adviser to Cancer Research Horizons.
Lead financial planning, forecasting, reporting and long-term modelling to support strategic decision making.
Provide financial insight and challenge on commercial opportunities, including licensing deals, spin-outs, venture investments and research commercialisation activities.
Turn complex financial and commercial information into clear, actionable recommendations for senior stakeholders.
Lead and develop a Finance Analyst, while providing guidance and support to the wider finance team supporting CRH.
Build strong relationships across CRH and Cancer Research UK, influencing senior leaders and driving effective financial decision making.
Monitor performance, identify trends and risks, and ensure financial plans remain sustainable and aligned to organisational priorities.
Deputise for the Head of Finance on Cancer Research Horizons-related matters when required.
What are we looking for?
Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience.
Strong finance business partnering experience, working with senior stakeholders in complex organisations.
Experience within pharmaceuticals, biotech, scientific research, life sciences, healthcare innovation, venture investment or a related commercial environment.
Proven expertise in financial planning, modelling, forecasting and performance reporting.
Experience evaluating commercial opportunities such as licensing agreements, venture investments, spin-outs or intellectual property commercialisation.
Track record of leading and developing high-performing teams.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly and confidently.
A proactive, collaborative approach and the confidence to provide constructive challenge to senior leaders.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.
Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
Human : Act to have a positive impact on people
Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and…