We’re delighted to be partnering with a leading Higher Education provider, who are currently recruiting for a Research Finance Manager and a Research Management Accountant on a permanent basis.

What's on offer:

The role is 37 hours per week with hybrid working. The salary for this role is between £45,163 – 56,921 with potential to progress to £56,021 per annum for the Finance Manager role and between £37,999 - £45,163 for the Management Accountant.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified Accountant and have experience line managing staff.

Duties for the Finance Manager will include (but not limited to):

• To manage financial services for 300+ externally funded research projects, supporting internationally competitive research
• To maintain and monitor core research budget codes
• To provide regular financial statements to PVC for Research, Heads of SBU, and Research Department leaders, including variance analysis
• To assist with the preparation of annual financial plans and quarterly forecasts for research departments
• Offer expert financial advice on external research funding streams to key stakeholders.
• To produce management accounts for academic, commercial, and government research projects, ensuring contract compliance
• Coordinate with external auditors to meet deadlines for financial certificates and payment of awards
• To ensure timely submission of financial reports to external funding bodies to meet contract obligations
• To oversee the timesheet process to ensure salary claims follow EC guidelines
• Stay updated on research funding developments, advising on EC calls for evidence and Full Economic Costing methods
• Collaborate with Research Office to ensure smooth transition from application to award status
• Work with Research Management Accountant to ensure financial compliance with project contracts
• Coordinate with University Finance and Tax Manager to ensure adherence to regulations and tax compliance
• Advise on financial planning for SBU QR budgets
• Complete month-end and year-end accounting adjustments, including income recognition and balance sheet reconciliation
• Provide data for REF and RAE submissions
• Attend Finance Team meetings and report on research-related matters
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Senior Finance Manager

Duties for the Management Accountant:

• To provide financial and business advice as the sole point of contact for selected research groups, supporting project finances
• Prepare detailed analysis of research projects, budgets, and quarterly forecasts within strict deadlines
• Construct and submit project submissions, reconciling income and expenditure in line with funder guidelines
• Complete monthly management accounts, proactively highlighting issues to the Finance team and School management
• Assist in preparing Year-End financial statements per accounting rules and University policies
• Monitor and control research awards, ensuring compliance with financial systems and assisting with external audits
• Organise work to ensure alignment with organisational and school plans
• Perform ad-hoc duties and provide cover for team members as needed
• Validate and authorise research application costings when requested

Experience required:

• Broad-based relevant post-qualification accounting experience in a financial management role
• Experience of the use of accounting packages within large / complex organisations
• Staff management experience
• Experience in Higher education research post award support or similar environment
• Experience of dealing with detailed contractual requirements

Skills, knowledge and expertise required:

• Strong understanding of budgetary control processes and the principles of devolved budget management
• Excellent IT skills with a proven record of development in the provision of management information
• Good technical skills and a thorough understanding of accounting procedures

Staff benefits on offer:

• Up to 35 days annual leave for research staff, excluding bank holidays
• Extra days off: days off between Christmas and new year
• Pay progression
• Student discounts
• Active staff scheme – discounts on gym memberships etc
• Health check ups, flu vaccinations and eye tests
• Flexible location – can work on site and at home
• Flexible working hours
• 19-23% pension contribution
• & many more!

Working hours

• 37 hours per week
• Monday - Friday

Please note that you require recent experience to apply for this role.

James Andrews is acting as an employment agency and business in relation to this role.

At James Andrews Recruitment Solutions we try to respond to all applications personally, however, due to the high volume of applications this is not always possible. If you have not heard back from us within 72 hours, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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