At a Glance
- Tasks: Support diverse research projects with financial and administrative expertise.
- Company: Join a caring community focused on impactful scientific research.
- Benefits: Flexible working, additional leave, shopping discounts, and wellness support.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a dynamic workplace with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in research while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Organised, proactive, with budget tracking experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 27644 - 30805 £ per year.
Working Pattern: Full Time - 37 hours per week – Monday to Friday
Salary: £27,644 - £30,805 per annum
Closing date: 10th July 2026
The Research Contracts team manages a diverse portfolio of collaborative scientific research projects. This role provides high-quality administrative support to the team and is based in Oban. The post-holder will work closely with project managers and colleagues across the organisation, as well as external stakeholders including funders, universities, research partners and auditors.
The Research Finance Business Partner will provide comprehensive administrative and financial support across a range of research projects, working with internal departments and external partners to ensure the effective delivery of project activities. Responsibilities include:
- Responding to enquiries
- Gathering and organising information
- Maintaining project documentation
- Preparing and distributing reports
- Supporting financial administration
- Assisting with audit preparation
Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be highly organised, proactive and detail-oriented, with excellent communication skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively. A customer-focused approach, strong administrative skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential. You will have experience of monitoring and tracking budgets, together with previous experience of working in a busy office environment. Knowledge of research funding processes and experience within a research administration setting would be advantageous.
Employee Benefits
Our relatively small, caring community is an ideal environment for making friends, forming collaborations, and supporting each other to do the work that we really care about. Oban and surrounding areas provide a fantastic base to live and work, and we offer a wide range of employee benefits, support and inclusive culture, making SAMS a great place to work. We are proud to provide a wide variety of benefits year-round, offering options to best support our staff, such as:
- Flexible & hybrid working options
- Purchase of additional annual leave
- Shopping discounts
- Cycle 2 Work scheme
- Purchases of technology through salary sacrifice
- Payroll Giving
- Pensions Plus
- Access to portals to support health and wellbeing
- A sabbatical scheme
- Free car parking with access to electronic charging points
- Access to a number of training & development courses
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are a Disability Confident Employer. Where a candidate requires reasonable adjustments as part of the application process, we encourage you to let us know. Where applicants with a disability meet the essential criteria for the job, you will be given the opportunity to demonstrate your skills, talent and abilities at interview. SAMS' commitment to gender equality has been recognised, as our institute was presented with an Athena SWAN (Scientific Women's Academic Network) Bronze Award and is currently working towards Investors in Diversity accreditation. SAMS Group is committed to being an equal and open organisation. Diversity and inclusion are important to us, and we strive to remove any barriers that may prevent people from applying to join us. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, and from all who share our values and can help us to broaden our knowledge and range of ideas.
Research Finance Business Partner (S05 in Oban employer: SAMS Enterprise
SAMS offers a supportive and inclusive work environment in the picturesque town of Oban, where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, flexible working options, and a commitment to diversity, SAMS fosters a collaborative culture that encourages growth and innovation. The opportunity to engage with diverse research projects while enjoying the stunning natural surroundings makes this role particularly rewarding for those passionate about scientific advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Finance Business Partner (S05 in Oban
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like SAMS Enterprise. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from SAMS Enterprise.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like SAMS Enterprise. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Finance Business Partner (S05 in Oban
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in SAMS Enterprise and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show SAMS Enterprise how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at SAMS Enterprise
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with SAMS Enterprise.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with SAMS Enterprise's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
