At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial management and compliance for exciting research projects at UCL.
- Company: Join UCL, a top global university with a rich history of innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days holiday, a pension scheme, gym access, and more!
- Other info: Hybrid role with a collaborative team culture and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on world-leading research while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in research finance or administration, strong analytical skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
About us
UCL is a radically different university. Founded in 1826 in the heart of London, we were the first university in England to welcome students of any religion and the first to welcome women to university education. Today UCL has over 50,000 students and 15,000 staff, is one of the world's top 10 universities and is recognised as one of the most successful research institutions in the world, consistently ranked as one of the top ten universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2010-2024) and is 2nd in the UK for research power and 1st in London (REF 2021). Playing a key role in supporting the UCL research portfolio of 6,000 active research awards and contracts with an annual research income of £500M, Research and Innovation Services (RIS) supports and advances UCL's position as a world‑leading research institution. Award Services provides a range of specialist advice to UCL's externally funded research and innovation portfolio and works in partnership with academic and professional services colleagues across UCL, collaborating organisations and funders.
As part of our continued commitment to strong governance, accountability and support for research delivery, we are developing a new Research Funding Assurance team to strengthen oversight of externally funded research projects and ensure the highest standards of financial management and compliance.
About the role
An exciting opportunity has arisen within Award Services in Research and Innovation Services (RIS) for a Research Funding Assurance Administrator - EC to join our newly established Research Funding Assurance team. This role plays a key part in supporting the financial management, assurance and compliance of European Commission (EC) and Innovate UK‑funded research projects across UCL. Working closely with academic departments, professional services colleagues, auditors and external funders, you will help ensure that projects are managed in line with funder requirements and UCL's financial regulations, policies and procedures.
You will be responsible for a portfolio of research awards and will contribute to financial reporting, audit coordination, grant maintenance and compliance monitoring activities. The role involves maintaining accurate project records, monitoring expenditure against funder requirements, supporting complex audits and working with institutional finance and research management systems to ensure robust governance and accountability across a significant research portfolio. This is a varied and collaborative role, requiring excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities within a busy and deadline‑driven environment. You will work closely with colleagues across UCL and play an important role in supporting world‑leading research through effective financial oversight and assurance. This is a hybrid role, with a minimum onsite attendance requirement of 20%. Wednesdays are designated as a fixed team collaboration day, and the successful candidate will be expected to attend campus on this day to support team engagement, collaboration and in‑person activities.
About you
You will have experience of working within research finance, research administration or a similar financial compliance environment, ideally within a higher education or research‑intensive organisation. You will have experience of working with complex financial information and be confident supporting financial reporting, reconciliations, audit activity and compliance processes. Educated to degree level or with equivalent relevant experience, you will possess strong analytical skills and be comfortable working with financial systems and large volumes of data. You will be highly organised, able to manage competing priorities and committed to maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex financial or procedural information clearly to non‑financial colleagues and build effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. You will be proactive, collaborative and capable of working independently while contributing positively to a team environment. Most importantly, you will be adaptable, solutions‑focused and committed to delivering a responsive, high‑quality service. You will enjoy working in a changing environment and be motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the continued development of research funding assurance and compliance across one of the world's leading universities.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- On‑Site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Research Funding Assurance Administrator - EC employer: UCL
UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions diversity and innovation in the heart of London. With generous benefits such as 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth within one of the world's leading research institutions, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The collaborative environment fosters strong relationships across departments, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in supporting groundbreaking research initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Funding Assurance Administrator - EC
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like UCL looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Funding Assurance Administrator - EC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at UCL. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with UCL’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
