Research and Knowledge Exchange Finance Manager in London

Benefits package including 25 days holiday allowance pro rata (excl. Bank holidays), group life assurance, group income protection, pension schemes and private healthcare.

Lead financial governance and compliance oversight for all externally funded research and knowledge exchange activity, ensuring adherence to funder terms and conditions (including UKRI and Horizon Europe/ERC).

Provide strategic financial oversight of post-award activity, including budget monitoring, risk management, funder reporting, audit readiness, and compliance approval of research transactions, ensuring accurate reconciliation and timely completion of all financial activity.

Lead preparation and submission of institutional research income returns, including REF finance return and HE-BCI reporting, and monitor publicly funded income against TRAC thresholds, initiating readiness planning where required.

Oversee financial management of funded PhD studentships and grant-funded staffing commitments.

Act as the institutional subject matter expert for research finance within Workday, ensuring system integrity, reviewing agreements for compliance prior to setup, overseeing accurate and timely data entry, and resolving complex issues to maintain alignment between system controls and regulatory requirements.

Develop and maintain robust financial control frameworks, processes and standard operating procedures to support institutional research governance.

Provide expert financial guidance to Principal Investigators and senior leadership, including regular portfolio reviews covering balances, activity, forecasting, and closeouts, and manage prior approvals and project changes across the full award lifecycle to ensure compliant and sustainable research delivery.

Lead financial planning, monitoring and forecasting for the RKE Services operational budget, advising the budget holder on resource allocation, risk and sustainability.

Extensive experience in UK higher education research finance.

Experience of working with research finance systems and contributing to system development or implementation.

Experience of managing complex externally funded awards, including UKRI and European funding.

Experience contributing to or leading statutory research finance returns (e.g. REF, HE-BCI, TRAC or equivalent).

Strong understanding of research finance compliance, audit and regulatory frameworks.

Proven ability to develop financial governance processes and operate effectively across institutional systems.

Experience of working collaboratively with academic and professional services stakeholders.

Experience of financial reporting, forecasting and providing insight to decision-making.

Please ensure that your application includes a CV and a covering letter. Applicants should address the selection criteria and indicate how their background and expertise align with the job role.

Northeastern University London (NU London) is a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London and is part of Northeastern University’s global campus network. Overlooking the River Thames near Tower Bridge, NU London offers academically challenging educational programmes designed to inspire innovative thinking, encourage interdisciplinary study, and provide global experiences. The bright and modern campus offers award winning, contemporary facilities for students and staff including state of the art audio visual technology in its teaching and meeting spaces.

Inspired by excellence, infused with an energy of ideas and ability in motion, at NU London, being a part of our staff is to be a part of a collective of entrepreneurs and educators, builders and thinkers. NU London is growing quickly, offering opportunity and growth for our staff. Currently hosting 1,500 students, our aim is to have 4000 students by 2028/29. As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, the University supports staff maintaining a good work/life balance, your health and wellness are of utmost importance to us.