Research Finance Manager (Maternity Cover)

About us

UCL is a world-leading research-intensive university, consistently ranked among the top universities globally. With an annual turnover of more than £1 billion and a thriving community of over 50,000 students and 18,000 staff from across the world, UCL is committed to delivering academic excellence, innovation and real-world impact.

Part of the Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation and Global Engagement) portfolio, Research and Innovation Services (RIS) provides expert support to academics and professional services colleagues across the research and innovation lifecycle. RIS plays a vital role in enabling UCL’s extensive and diverse portfolio of externally funded research, supporting everything from funding applications and contract negotiations through to post-award management, compliance and assurance.

Award Services is one of five specialist teams within RIS and is responsible for providing high-quality support and advice throughout the lifecycle of externally funded research projects. Working collaboratively with departments, faculties, funders and partner organisations, the team ensures that UCL’s research funding is managed effectively, compliantly and strategically.

About the role

We are seeking a Research Finance Manager – Doctoral Training Grants (DTG) to lead the financial management and post-award administration of UCL’s UKRI Doctoral Training portfolio.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced research finance professional to oversee a specialist team delivering a high-quality post-award management service to the academic community and external funders. The role manages a team of three Research Finance Officers and is responsible for ensuring that financial administration, reconciliations, claims and reporting activities are delivered accurately, compliantly and within funder deadlines.

You will act as a key source of expertise on UKRI Doctoral Training Grants, advising stakeholders across UCL on financial management, compliance, funder terms and conditions, audit requirements and operational best practice. The role also works closely with Academic Departments, Faculties, the Doctoral School, DTP Governance Boards and external funders to support effective partnership working and continuous service improvement.

Alongside operational delivery, the postholder will contribute to the development of processes, systems and procedures that support a resilient and high-performing service. You will also play an important role in supporting audits, implementing process improvements and ensuring the ongoing professional development of the wider team.

This role is based at Bidborough House, Bloomsbury Campus, and is offered as a c.12-month Fixed Term Contract to cover maternity leave. This role is available as a Fixed-Term Contract, or as a secondment for internal staff.

About you

You will bring substantial experience of post-award research finance administration, with strong knowledge of UKRI Doctoral Training Grants, funder terms and conditions, financial processes and compliance requirements. You will have experience managing and developing staff, alongside the ability to oversee complex and often competing priorities within a fast-paced environment.

We are looking for someone with excellent analytical and reconciliation skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information clearly to a wide range of stakeholders. You will be confident building effective relationships across large and complex organisations and able to provide credible advice to colleagues at all levels.

The successful candidate will also demonstrate a proactive and solutions-focused approach, with experience of developing and improving processes and procedures to support service excellence and continuous improvement. Strong communication skills, customer focus and a collaborative approach are essential.

Experience working with auditors and knowledge of Oracle Grants and/or Worktribe would be advantageous.

Customer advert reference: B09-01362

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