Commercial Finance Manager

At NPL, we set the standards by which the world is measured. Our work underpins solutions to global challenges — from tackling climate change and advancing medical breakthroughs to enabling next-generation communications technology.

Our Finance team plays a critical role in shaping NPL’s success. By partnering across the organisation, we create a clear strategy and vision, monitor performance, and provide insights that drive informed decisions and sustainable growth.

As our Commercial Finance Manager, you’ll be a senior leader within Finance, you’ll be responsible for partnering with the business to make better business decisions through analysis, insight and recommendations. As well as communicating monthly performance and developing the forecasts and budgets.

What you’ll be doing:

Leadership

• Act as the lead finance partner for assigned departments and programmes, coordinating planning, management accounting and capital teams to deliver aligned, high‑quality support.
• Champion programme mission and strategy across the finance team, driving engagement and a clear focus on delivery.

Governance, Efficiency & Effectiveness

• Ensure full compliance with government finance standards, including counter‑fraud requirements.
• Maintain strong financial governance to enable confident, informed decision‑making.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance reporting, analysis and insight, ensuring information is clear, timely and impactful.
• Uphold internal and external standards across quality, health, safety, security and environment to minimise risk and protect NPL’s reputation.

External Relations

• Build and manage strong relationships with internal stakeholders, funders, suppliers and customers.
• Ensure timely, accurate delivery of all financial reporting.
• Develop partnerships that support NPL’s mission, reputation and long‑term sustainability.

Relationship with Leadership Team

• Serve as the primary finance partner to leadership teams, coordinating with finance colleagues to meet stakeholder needs.
• Provide clear insight on current and forecast business performance.
• Use strong leadership and influencing skills to balance competing priorities across finance.
• Lead forecasting, budgeting and strategic planning, offering challenge and guidance to drive effective decisions.
• Collaborate with leadership peers to support a unified, “One NPL” approach.

We’re looking for a Commercial Finance Manager to play a key role in driving commercial performance and supporting strategic decision-making across the business. This is a high visibility role for someone who enjoys partnering with senior stakeholders and turning insight into action.

• A professional accounting qualification (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
• A strong and proven track record in commercial finance or business partnering roles
• A track record of influencing senior stakeholders with insight and analysis
• Experience of developing budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial plans
• Advanced excel and financial modelling skills
• Strong presentation and communication skills
• Confident operating in a fast-paced, changing environment

 We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

 Please note:  Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward.  We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview
 
NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
 
At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.
 
We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.