At a Glance
- Tasks: Enhance financial controls for research, manage reconciliations, and streamline processes.
- Company: The University of Edinburgh, a leading institution with a focus on impactful research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work collaboratively across departments and drive process improvements.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious university and make a difference in research finance management.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified accountant with experience in research finance and advanced Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
2yr Contract (likely to extend)
Job Purpose
The University of Edinburgh's research activity is central to its Strategy 2030, accounting for approximately £400m in income annually across 6,500 research accounts. This role is dedicated to enhancing the financial control framework for research across the University, by identifying and strengthening the relationships between the various research stakeholders (Edinburgh Research Office (ERO), schools and finance) and provide robust assurance on research balance sheet reconciliations, project suspense accounts and the preparation of research accruals and provisions.
Main responsibilities
- Advanced Research Reconciliations & Analysis: Lead the improvement of the Research Deferred Income Account reconciliation process, moving beyond simple categorisation to a comprehensive reconciliation between the General Ledger portfolio codes and the Projects Ledger. Establish monthly controls to identify and resolve discrepancies where transactions are posted to the General Ledger but fail to interface with the Projects Ledger, preventing the risk of underclaiming income from funders. Oversee the reconciliation and clearance of research-related clearing accounts and the Research Debtors Adjustment account.
- Management of Research Project Lifecycle & Backlogs: Work with ERO to manage a project to clear the backlog awards that are past their expected close date but remain 'active' on the finance system. Lead the financial closure of 'legacy codes' (projects ending before 31 July 2022), ensuring final reconciliations are performed and remaining balances are appropriately released or written off. Collaborate with the ERO and Schools to clear aged salary.
- Financial Provisioning & Accruals: Work with colleagues and advisors to regularly assess and record an aged debt provision specifically for the research debtors ledger. Work across Finance, ERO, and Schools to streamline the monthly Research Partner Accrual process, ensuring a reliable estimate is reached efficiently for year-end reporting.
- Governance and Process Improvement: Act as a key liaison to establish a formal Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed (RACI) framework between the finance team and ERO, defining clear accountabilities for research accounting and financial control. Investigate and implement system-level controls in finance system to prevent inappropriate postings to awards once they have been financially closed.
Knowledge Skills and Experience
- Professional Qualification: CCAB qualified accountant with significant post-qualification experience in a large, complex public sector or higher education environment.
- Technical Research Finance Knowledge: Deep understanding of Research Accounting, Full Economic Costing, TRAC rates, and the complexities of research overhead recovery.
- Systems Expertise: Proficient in Oracle P&M (Projects and General Ledger modules) and Worktribe.
- Complex Data Analysis: Advanced Excel skills and experience managing high-volume reconciliations involving thousands of unique portfolio codes.
- Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to work across departmental boundaries (Finance, Research Offices, and Academic Schools) to resolve systemic process issues.
We are committed to ensuring that all job applicants are treated equally, without discrimination because of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age.
Financial Controls Manager (Research) employer: Morgan Philips Group SA
Morgan Philips Group SA is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Warrington. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities while working in a hybrid model that promotes work-life balance. Join us to be part of a team that values sustainability and efficiency, making a meaningful impact in procurement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controls Manager (Research)
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Morgan Philips Group SA. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controls Manager (Research)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Morgan Philips Group SA.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Morgan Philips Group SA's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Philips Group SA
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Morgan Philips Group SA.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Morgan Philips Group SA will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Morgan Philips Group SA employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
