Senior Finance Assistant

Join us at the world-leading Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute. We're a unique department of the University of Cambridge, core funded by Cancer Research UK's charitable activities, and we're eagerly searching for our new Senior Finance Assistant. 

The main purpose of this role is to maximise cost recovery across 11 Core Facilities, ensuring long term financial sustainability while supporting cutting edge scientific research. Working at the heart of the Institute, you'll apply expert financial insight to pricing, invoicing, and compliance. Balancing funder requirements with accessible, transparently costed services for researchers. Your work will directly support a sustainable, high quality research environment for groups across the Institute. 

You'll lead on cost recovery and financial analysis for the portfolio of core facilities you are responsible for, developing and maintaining robust pricing structures that recover direct and indirect costs wherever permitted. From analysing monthly financial data and producing clear, concise reports, spotting and fixing issues to managing cross charging and grant specific spend, your work will directly influence budget control and strategic planning. You'll also oversee accurate invoicing for internal and external users, ensuring timely income recovery and resolving queries with confidence. 

In addition, you'll play a key role in audit readiness interpreting complex funder terms, and providing clear, defensible documentation. As a joint administrator for PPMS, you'll train and support users, troubleshoot problems, and help improve processes as systems and ways of working evolve. Collaborating closely with core facility managers, researchers along with finance and grants colleagues, you'll combine technical expertise with strong communication skills to drive efficiency, compliance, and financial resilience across the Institute. 

If you are our successful candidate, you will benefit from the support of an experienced team who will be fully invested in your success and professional development. 

Fixed-term: 31 March 2031 

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check, a health assessment and a security check.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

Please ensure that you outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role on the online Application form.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The closing date for applications is: 26/05/2026 The interview date for the role is: To be confirmed 

Please quote reference SW49544 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.

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