Research Finance Team Leader

Provide the primary communications point offering expert professional and technical advice in respect of financial matters relating to research activity to Budget Centre staff (including Head of School, Professorial, Other Academics, Academic Related, and Support).As part of the Research Finance Management Team, the post holder will ensure that a consistent approach is taken to financial policy and financial advice for research matters within the Finance Office and the University. This is also likely to involve the identification and interpretation of external influences and their effect on research activities.Managing the European Commission (EU) team (up to 8fte) performing administration of externally funded research grants and contracts. This will include costing and pricing applications, processing offers and maintaining appropriate systems records, invoicing sponsors in accordance with contracts, dealing with complex queries. Setting up systems and procedures to ensure an efficient service is provided to customers.Responsibility for the production of budgets and accounts for research activity within the specified areas. This should be both timely and accurate, for inclusion within Management Information and Annual Accounts.Responsibility for interaction with Human Resources and Budget Centre’s to ensure that proposed staffing contracts and extensions are affordable within the framework of external funding.

• Experience of supervising or managing a small team of staff is essential
• Experience gained within accountancy or financial environment preferably over a 5 year period and including monitoring of budgets and an ability to cost activities.
• Personal experience of complex financial computer systems and personal computers
• Excellent general computer skills being competent in Excel are essential. Preferably some knowledge of Coda and Business Objects is desirable.
• Ability to use time efficiently, organise a varied workload and work to strict deadlines.
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal.
• Experience of grant or project administration and knowledge of Research Councils or European Commission requirements is desirable.
• Experience with External Auditors desirable