Research Finance Manager

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 beating research led University. Award Services, one of four teams within RIS, provides a range specialist advice to UCL's externally funded research and innovation portfolio through the departments of: Research Support & Development (Pre-award); European Research and Innovation Office; Finance and Compliance (Post-Award). The service is delivered in partnership with academic and professional services colleagues across UCL, collaborating organisations, and funders.

About the role

We are recruiting for a Research Finance Manager to join our team until 31st July 2025. This role is available on a Fixed-Term Contract basis.

The Research Finance Manager will provide a comprehensive and high quality post award management service to the UCL academic community and research funders.

In support of this the successful candidate will oversee a team of Research Finance Administrators who have the responsibility of the financial administration and accounting functions of the University's research and innovation portfolio. They will be responsible for ensuring the work is conducted to the highest possible standards of accuracy, timeliness and to the satisfaction of all key stakeholders.

This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 20% on site presence. Wednesdays are fixed team collaboration day when you'll be expected to attend the office in person.

About you

We are seeking an individual with a degree or equivalent qualification, or relevant experience. You should have a solid background in managing the financial aspects of post-award research and innovation funding. Previous experience in team management and staff development, with a focus on setting service standards is desirable. You will need proven knowledge of regulatory compliance, both with organisational policies and funder requirements, and experience in providing expert advice to various stakeholders.

Strong analytical skills are essential, as you’ll handle data analysis, reconcile financial records, and investigate discrepancies. Extensive experience with financial systems, ideally Oracle, is required, along with familiarity in HR databases. You should demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, both written and oral, as well as proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office. Finally, you should be able to build and maintain productive working relationships, negotiate effectively at all levels, and write clear and accurate reports.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits including 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days).

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