Management Accountant Support

Salary: £30,895 per annum

Band: UKRI Band C

Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months)

Hours: Full-time (flexible working available)

Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxon (Hybrid working available; minimum 3 days per week in the office).

Closing Date: 8th March 2026

About the role

The role performs a vital function within the team, providing accounting and administrative support to the three RAL Space Management Accountant and the Head of Finance. It involves supporting the team that manages larger projects and handling the financial management of smaller projects. The candidate will work across the RAL space team, interacting with the Project Management Office (PMO) and individual project managers, and will use UKRI, STFC, and RAL Space specific IT systems for accounting, project/bid management, costing, and controls.

Your responsibilities

• Review and approve bids and costings of up to £100k, providing advice on bid completion and the bid process with project managers and the PMO.
• Set up and maintain projects in Oracle Project Accounting, including contract extensions and change controls.
• Produce monthly management reports and ad‑hoc reports for project managers detailing project expenditure and income.
• Process monthly revenue adjustments.
• Prepare monthly and ad‑hoc journals to correct project expenditure.
• Liaise with Project Managers and Management Accountants.
• Upload electronic invoices and supporting documentation onto ESA-P (European Space Agency Portal).
• Attend project and team meetings as required and various UKRI Finance Directorate meetings.
• Monitor and take appropriate actions on the GRNI report.
• Raise invoice requests with UKSBS.

Personal Specification

Essential

• 5 recognised GCSEs including maths & English or equivalent qualifications.
• Studying towards AAT or equivalent qualification.

Experience and knowledge

• Proficiency in IT skills, including good knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Knowledge of ERP systems (Oracle Fusion, SAP or similar).
• Previous experience working in a finance environment.

Skills and abilities

• Good organisational skills, able to manage and prioritise own workload and meet organisational timelines in a timely manner.
• Good numeracy skills.
• Good written and oral communication & presentation skills.
• Strong teamwork ability to work across different areas.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues.
• Able to establish effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Able to resolve problems independently while knowing when to consult or seek advice.

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promoting a culture of continuous learning.

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.

For further information on our benefits please see: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that empowers them. We value diversity of thought and experience across inclusive groups, organisations, and the wider community.

Disability Confident Employer

As a disability‑confident employer, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities receive reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions.

How to apply

Online applications only are preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter that clearly outlines how you fulfil the specified criteria and your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each uploaded document. Failure to address the criteria or submit a covering letter may result in the application not being considered.

Security Screening

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re‑run security clearance as needed during the course of employment.

Contact Information

If you experience any issue applying, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.

Eligibility

This job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for sponsored migrant worker status, so sponsorship will not be available for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates must bring identification documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK.