At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management for UCL's Doctoral Training Grants and oversee a specialist team.
- Company: Join a prestigious university with a commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for process improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in research finance while supporting the academic community.
- Qualifications: Experience in post-award research finance and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Research Finance Manager - Doctoral Training Grants (DTG) to lead the financial management and post‑award administration of UCL's UKRI Doctoral Training portfolio. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced research finance professional to oversee a specialist team delivering a high‑quality post‑award management service to the academic community and external funders.
The role manages a team of three Research Finance Officers and is responsible for ensuring that financial administration, reconciliations, claims and reporting activities are delivered accurately, compliantly and within funder deadlines. You will act as a key source of expertise on UKRI Doctoral Training Grants, advising stakeholders across UCL on financial management, compliance, funder terms and conditions, audit requirements and operational best practice.
The role also works closely with Academic Departments, Faculties, the Doctoral School, DTP Governance Boards and external funders to support effective partnership working and continuous service improvement. Alongside operational delivery, the postholder will contribute to the development of processes, systems and procedures that support a resilient and high‑performing service. You will also play an important role in supporting audits, implementing process improvements and ensuring the ongoing professional development of the wider team.
This role is based at Bidborough House, Bloomsbury Campus, and is offered as a c.12‑month Fixed Term Contract to cover maternity leave. The role is also available as a Fixed‑Term Contract or as a secondment for internal staff.
You will bring substantial experience of post‑award research finance administration, with strong knowledge of UKRI Doctoral Training Grants, funder terms and conditions, financial processes and compliance requirements. You will have experience managing and developing staff, alongside the ability to oversee complex and often competing priorities within a fast‑paced environment.
You will have excellent analytical and reconciliation skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information clearly to a wide range of stakeholders. You will be confident building effective relationships across large and complex organisations and able to provide credible advice to colleagues at all levels.
The successful candidate will also demonstrate a proactive and solutions‑focused approach, with experience of developing and improving processes and procedures to support service excellence and continuous improvement. Strong communication skills, customer focus and a collaborative approach are essential. Experience working with auditors and knowledge of Oracle Grants and/or Worktribe would be advantageous.
41 days holiday (including 27 days annual leave, 8)
Research Finance Manager - Doctoral Training Grants (Maternity Cover) in London employer: UCL
UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the heart of Bloomsbury, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive professional development opportunities, a generous holiday allowance of 41 days, and a supportive culture that values teamwork and excellence in research finance management. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in a prestigious academic institution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Finance Manager - Doctoral Training Grants (Maternity Cover) in London
✨Get Involved in Financial Networks
Join local financial associations or forums where you can connect with professionals in financial-controlling. Networking events often lead to temporary positions, as companies look for quick hires when they need extra hands.
✨Showcase Your Skills on Temporary Job Boards
Focus on platforms that specifically cater to temporary roles in finance. Sites like Reed or Totaljobs often list short-term gigs that are perfect for getting your foot in the door, and you can apply directly through our website for roles at UCL.
✨Leverage Your Uni's Career Services
If you're still in university, tap into your career services for internship or temporary job placements. They often have insider info on companies like UCL looking for temporary financial support, and they might help you polish your pitch.
✨Flexible Availability is Key
For temporary positions in financial-controlling, your availability can make a huge difference. Highlight your willingness to start immediately or work irregular hours when speaking to employers. This flexibility can land you that sought-after role!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Finance Manager - Doctoral Training Grants (Maternity Cover) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Aces:In the financial controlling game, grades and relevant certifications can make a significant difference. Be sure to highlight your academic achievements, like finance-related coursework and any professional certifications you’ve got on your CV that show you’re clued up in this area. It’s all about demonstrating that you’re not just good at numbers but also know your stuff!
Quantify Your Achievements:When applying for a temporary role in financial controlling, make sure your CV reflects any previous experience with real, measurable outcomes. Use numbers to showcase your past successes, like percentage improvements in budgeting or cost savings you’ve achieved in previous roles. This not only gives us insights into your capabilities but also tells us you're results-driven.
Personalise Your Application:We love seeing applicants who take the time to tailor their applications! In your cover letter, mention why you’re particularly interested in the temporary role with UCL and how your specific skills and experiences align with the job. Show us that you see this role as an opportunity to contribute, even if it's for a short stint!
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to highlight your availability in your application. We’re interested in knowing how soon you can start and if you’re open to working flexible hours. This shows us your eagerness to jump right in and adapt to the dynamic needs of our team at UCL.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Get Hands-On with Financial Tools
Being in financial controlling means you’ll likely be working with various software like Excel, Power BI, or even SAP. Make sure you brush up on these tools and prepare to discuss your experience using them. Being able to reference specific projects or analyses where you employed these programs will definitely give you an edge.
✨Prepare for Technical Financial Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to analyse financial statements or suggest budgetary strategies during the interview. Practising common financial concepts like variance analysis or cost control measures will not only boost your confidence but also prove your suitability for the role.
✨Show Your Flexibility and Adaptability
As this is a temporary position, the interviewers will want to see that you can hit the ground running. Be sure to highlight any previous short-term roles or projects where you successfully adapted to new environments quickly – this will showcase your readiness to tackle challenges head-on.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Precision
In financial controlling, attention to detail is absolutely crucial. Be ready to provide examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to spot discrepancies and ensure accuracy in financial reporting. Your precision could be the factor that sets you apart in a temporary role like this one!
