Overview
In this role you will provide financial administration across externally funded awards to support successful, well-managed projects. You will work closely with academics and RSSD colleagues to ensure accurate, timely claims, reports and forecasts while upholding funder requirements. You’ll contribute to process improvements and share best practices within a collaborative post-award community. This position offers growth, learning, and the chance to influence research outcomes at a leading university.
Pay / Benefits
- 40 days paid holiday
- one paid day for volunteering
- occupational sick pay
- pension scheme
- three subsidised day nurseries
- flexible working arrangements
Responsibilities
- Provide financial support across the post award lifecycle for a defined portfolio of project grants, including budget monitoring, claims, reporting and project closure
- Build proactive relationships with academic colleagues and project managers to optimise budgets and ensure funder compliance
- Manage financial claims, reporting and monitoring with established templates and team guidance
- Identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance handovers within Post Award
- Share best practices to embed consistent approaches and foster a collaborative culture
- Monitor monthly KPIs and proactively resolve issues to meet standards
- Support internal and external audits with timely, accurate information
- Liaise with external funders to provide financial assurance and clarify processes
- Promote equality and an inclusive working culture
- Undertake additional duties as required by leadership
Key requirements
- Degree-level education (or equivalent qualifications) or significant practical experience in a financial background
- Numeracy and literacy with ability to analyse information and data
- Knowledge of the UK research funding ecosystem and major funders (desirable)
- Experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to achieve outcomes
- Experience in process improvement and delivering higher service quality
- Strong analytical skills for qualitative and quantitative data
- Budget monitoring and reporting with issue resolution
- Proficient IT skills including MS Office; advanced Excel Required
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with stakeholders
- High self-motivation, accountability, and ability to prioritise to deadlines
- Knowledge of Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics and inclusive practice
- collaboration
- customer service
- clear communication
- Excel (advanced)
- MS Office suite
- budgeting and financial reporting
Research Grants Finance Officer - Research Strategy and Services Division - 48850 - Grade 6 employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, the School of Chemistry provides ample opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles, all while being situated in a dynamic city known for its rich cultural heritage and supportive community.
