Head of Research Funding Assurance and Compliance

The Research Operations Office provides strategic and operational support to the University's research activities, working closely with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research (PVC(R)), and in partnership with our academic staff to secure and manage funding from external organisations globally, nationally and regionally. We are looking to recruit a Head of Research Funding Assurance and Compliance, the role holder will establish and lead a new activity in collaboration with colleagues in Finance Division, providing enhanced assurance oversight for research income in order to ensure the University retains funder assurance. 

Head of Research Funding Assurance and Compliance will have responsibility for Quality Assurance and Audit activities within the Research Office. It is expected that the role holder will provides specialist skills to develop robust processes for oversight of compliance and will also be responsible for managing team responsible for funder audits. They will work collaboratively with other key stakeholders to ensure appropriate systems, controls and procedures are in place and take the lead on developing a continuous process improvement approach to audit findings in order to ensure compliance with funder terms and conditions. This will include:

• Developing a new framework, processes and tools to monitor compliance with funder rules
• Establishing the assurance aspects of progressive and transparent reporting
• Ensuring processes align with the ambitions of both the Transforming Research Support Programme and the Finance Transformation Programme 

Applicants will have practical experience of working in finance and/or a compliance role in a large and complex organisation, ideally within a Higher Education setting. Excellent communication and organisational skills are essential, together with the ability to express complex issues clearly and concisely and to a wide range of audiences. 

Educated to first degree level, or with equivalent level of knowledge and experience, you will have recent line management and HE administration experience with an understanding of the research landscape experience. A recognised qualification in finance and/or compliance or with equivalent demonstrable experience is desirable.

Please see the further particulars for more information. Your application should clearly set out how you meet the criteria listed in the person specification (the skills and experience required for the role) along with relevant examples. Candidates will be shortlisted based on these criteria.

The University of Cambridge is committed to supporting our staff to thrive both professionally and personally. The Research Office aims to support our staff to achieve a better work/life balance, whilst retaining the positive aspects of our unique in-person environment and culture. We have embraced hybrid working and we are currently trialling in-person working within teams 2 days per week from Greenwich House. This arrangement is currently temporary. Some roles may require additional onsite working according to business need and this is subject to discussion with the recruiting manager.

The University offers an excellent benefit package including: - Discounts on shopping - Rental deposit scheme - Public transport season ticket loans - Defined benefits pension schemes - Tax-efficient bicycle and charity-giving schemes - Flexible working options.

The post is offered on an open ended basis subject to limited funding that is currently available for 5 years in the first instance.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit: http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/38019.

Closing Date: 8th January 2023

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact CROrecruitment@admin.cam.ac.uk. 

Please quote reference EW34062 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.