Research Financial Analysis Lead (12-month FTC)
Research Financial Analysis Lead (12-month FTC)

Research Financial Analysis Lead (12-month FTC)

Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Ivy Rock Partners

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial analysis and modelling to enhance research finance at King's College London.
  • Company: Join King’s College London, a top UK research university with a strong financial strategy.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a competitive pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of research finance in a prestigious institution with a values-led culture.
  • Qualifications: Requires deep research finance knowledge and a professional accountancy qualification with 5+ years experience.
  • Other info: Opportunity for learning, development, and career progression in a dynamic environment.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Ivy Rock Partners is proud to be working with King’s College London, one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities, as they continue to transform and strengthen their financial strategy and planning function. With research income of £250 million and award values of £300 million annually, King’s is looking to better integrate research finance with long-term planning and performance monitoring. We are recruiting a Research Financial Analysis Lead - a critical new role focused on delivering robust financial modelling, analysis and tools to support King’s in maximising research impact and managing cost recovery.

You will work across Finance, Research Management, and senior stakeholders to develop data-led insight and improve the visibility of research financial performance.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead on the development of tools and models that integrate research data into financial planning and forecasting
  • Build a dynamic, multi-year planning framework based on research grant data and cost recovery assumptions
  • Enhance in-year forecasting by linking live data to forward-looking analytics
  • Partner with Finance Business Partners, Research Management, and FP&A teams to ensure data consistency and alignment
  • Drive process improvement, automation, and reporting enhancements across research finance
  • Contribute to TRAC and benchmarking analysis to inform strategy and performance
About You:
  • Deep understanding of research finance, including income recognition and overhead recovery
  • Strong experience in research grant financial management and reporting frameworks
  • Skilled at financial modelling, data integration and building analytic tools (Power BI or similar)
  • Knowledge of TRAC, financial planning, and the UK research funding landscape
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
  • Experience managing financial change projects in complex environments
  • A professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) and at least 5 years post-qualification experience is desirable
Why Join King’s College London:

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape how research finance supports strategy at one of the UK’s most prestigious institutions. In return, King’s offers an excellent benefits package including:

  • 30 days of annual leave (plus public holidays)
  • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
  • Competitive pension scheme with generous employer contributions
  • Access to learning, development and career progression opportunities
  • A strong, values-led and inclusive working culture

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Megan Hunter at Ivy Rock Partners.

Research Financial Analysis Lead (12-month FTC) employer: Ivy Rock Partners

King’s College London is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to influence the financial strategy of one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities. With a strong commitment to employee development, a values-led culture, and a competitive benefits package including 30 days of annual leave and flexible working arrangements, King’s fosters an inclusive environment where your contributions can make a significant impact on research finance and performance. Join us to be part of a transformative journey that not only enhances your career but also supports groundbreaking research initiatives.
Ivy Rock Partners

Contact Detail:

Ivy Rock Partners Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Financial Analysis Lead (12-month FTC)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific financial tools and models mentioned in the job description, such as Power BI. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these tools during discussions can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in research finance or those who have worked at King’s College London. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which you can leverage in your conversations.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with financial change projects in complex environments. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to drive process improvements.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the current trends and challenges in the UK research funding landscape. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role and its impact on the institution.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Financial Analysis Lead (12-month FTC)

Financial Modelling
Data Integration
Analytic Tool Development
Power BI
Research Finance Knowledge
Income Recognition
Overhead Recovery
Financial Management
Reporting Frameworks
TRAC Knowledge
Financial Planning
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Process Improvement
Project Management
Change Management
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and required skills. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific needs of the Research Financial Analysis Lead position.

Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your background in research finance, financial modelling, and stakeholder engagement. Use specific examples from your previous roles to demonstrate your expertise in managing financial change projects and working with complex data.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your enthusiasm for the role and the institution. Mention why you are particularly interested in King’s College London and how you can contribute to their financial strategy.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a role focused on financial analysis.

How to prepare for a job interview at Ivy Rock Partners

✨Understand the Research Finance Landscape

Make sure you have a solid grasp of research finance concepts, especially income recognition and overhead recovery. Familiarise yourself with the UK research funding landscape, as this knowledge will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Financial Modelling Skills

Prepare to discuss your experience with financial modelling and data integration. Be ready to provide examples of tools or models you've developed, particularly using Power BI or similar software, to illustrate your capability in delivering robust financial analysis.

✨Highlight Stakeholder Engagement Experience

Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, emphasise your communication skills and past experiences in stakeholder engagement. Share specific instances where you successfully collaborated with finance teams or senior management to drive process improvements.

✨Demonstrate Change Management Acumen

Be prepared to discuss your experience managing financial change projects in complex environments. Highlight any strategies you employed to ensure smooth transitions and how you measured the success of these initiatives.

Research Financial Analysis Lead (12-month FTC)
Ivy Rock Partners

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