Finance Associate

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford’s purpose is to have a global impact by fundamentally reimagining the way science and technology translate into end-to-end solutions and delivering these solutions in programmes and platforms that respond to humanity’s most challenging problems.

EIT Oxford will ensure scientific discoveries and pioneering science are turned into products for the benefit of society that can have high-impact worldwide and, over time, be commercialised to ensure long-term sustainability.

Led by a faculty of world experts, EIT Oxford seeks to solve the world’s most challenging problems across four high-risk, high-reward, high-impact humane endeavours: health and medical science; food security and sustainable agriculture; climate change and clean energy; and government innovation in an era of artificial intelligence.

EIT Oxford is investing significant resources in a new world-class research and development facility in the Oxford Science Park. Set for completion in 2027, the state-of-the-art campus includes 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and educational and meeting spaces. Together, they create the perfect environment for EIT Oxford experts to take ground-breaking ideas from research to broad implementation. The new facility will further EIT’s current partnership with the University of Oxford and become the new home for Ellison Scholars.

EIT Oxford is committed to cultivating a community where excellence is achieved through collaboration, trust, innovation and tenacity. We foster an environment where everyone’s experience and expertise are valued. We are curious and resilient in our efforts to drive long-term, sustainable innovation to meet humanity’s most enduring challenges.

EIT Oxford is seeking a Finance Associate to join our Corporate Finance and Business Development Team. The Finance Associate will be responsible for providing financial modelling and analysis to support strategic decision-making across programmes and external growth initiatives. The Finance Associate will collaborate with internal teams and external partners, conducting financial analysis for business plans, partnerships, M&A, and other strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Modelling & Forecasting:

• Develop robust financial models and forecasts to inform program strategies and external growth initiatives, ensuring alignment with EIT’s strategic goals.

Financial Analysis:

• Analyse the financial implications of business plans, external deals, and growth opportunities, providing data-driven insights to support sound financial decision-making.

Financial Due Diligence:

• Lead the financial due diligence process for partnerships, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and other external transactions, ensuring thorough financial evaluation of potential opportunities.

Collaboration with Finance Department:

• Work closely with the finance team to ensure that financial models and strategic analyses align with overall institutional financial planning, while maintaining a distinct role from operational finance functions.

Risk Assessment:

• Identify and assess financial risks associated with business plans and transactions, providing recommendations to mitigate these risks and ensure financial sustainability.

Researching and Analysing Market Opportunities:

• Collaborate with the Corporate Finance and Business Development Team to integrate thorough market analysis into financial models and strategic decision-making.

Supporting the Creation of New Ventures:

• Work alongside Programs to ideate, design, and develop ventures, ensuring scientific discoveries are translated into scalable, actionable products and services across various domains, including healthcare, agriculture, energy, and AI.

Facilitating Strategy Execution and Operational Scaling:

• Support Programs by providing financial analysis that facilitates the execution of strategies and assists with operational scaling, ensuring businesses operate according to best practices.

Managing External Transactions and Partnerships:

• Assist in identifying opportunities for strategic alliances, conducting financial evaluations for IP licensing, and exploring acquisitions that complement EIT’s mission.

Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in finance or a related field.
• Proven experience in financial modelling, forecasting, and analysis to support strategic business decisions.
• Strong understanding of financial due diligence processes, particularly for partnerships, M&A, and external growth initiatives.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights for decision-making.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across cross functional departments, as well as convey complex financial information to a diverse range of stakeholders.  

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Experience working in sectors relevant to EIT’s focus areas, such as healthcare, agriculture, energy, or AI.
• Familiarity with financial analysis tools and software, such as Excel, financial modelling platforms, and ERP systems.
• Knowledge of risk management practices, particularly in assessing the financial risks of growth initiatives and transactions.
• Experience collaborating with legal and operational teams during the financial evaluation of external deals.

We offer the following salary and benefits:

• Salary:  Competitive (depending on experience) + travel allowance + bonus
• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electric Car Scheme

Why work for EIT:

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

Terms of Appointment:

• You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.
• You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.
• During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.