Senior Research Accounting Officer

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Research Accounting Officer to join a leading London-based university within its Research & Innovation Services team. This role plays a key part in the financial management of research grants, ensuring projects are managed effectively in accordance with funder terms and conditions. You will act as a key financial business partner to academics and Schools, providing professional advice and support across a portfolio of research grants. This is a highly collaborative role, covering grant reconciliations, financial reporting, income management, funder requirements and supporting Principal Investigators throughout the lifecycle of their research funding. Role Information: Job title: Interim Senior Research Accounting Officer Department: Research & Innovation Services Day rate: £220 - £250 including Holiday pay via PAYE Location: South West London Working pattern: 3 days on site Key Responsibilities: Research Finance Business Partnering Provide a professional and proactive business partnering service to academics and Schools across a portfolio of research grants. Provide updates, advice and guidance to academics regarding the financial management of their research funding. Liaise directly with research funders and coordinate requests from Principal Investigators. Work with research collaborators on multi-party research grants. Research Grant Financial Management Undertake regular financial reconciliations across research grants. Ensure research projects comply with funder terms, financial regulations and contractual requirements. Set up new research projects in collaboration with the Research Support Services team. Manage exchange rates relating to international research grants. Income, Reporting & Audit Ensure timely invoicing and receipt of expected research grant income. Prepare and submit accurate financial reports to research funders in accordance with funding terms. Ensure timely collaborator payments, invoicing and reporting for multi-party grants. Initiate and lead research grant audits where required by funders. Financial Advice & Stakeholder Management Identify financial risks, including potential overspends, and provide practical solutions and appropriate mitigation. Communicate financial and budget management information effectively to Principal Investigators, academics, Finance colleagues, project partners and research funders. Build collaborative relationships across Research & Innovation Services and the wider University. Candidate Profile: Experience of managing the finances of research grants across a range of research funders. Experience providing financial advice and support to academics regarding research grants. Good knowledge of university research grant financial management, including financial processes, overhead allocation and funder terms and conditions. Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain research finance concepts to a range of stakeholders. Highly organised with the ability to effectively plan and prioritise competing workloads. Degree-level education or equivalent relevant experience. A recognised accountancy qualification would be desirable.

This vacancy will be actively shortlisted, so early applications are encouraged to avoid missing out. Venn Group is an equal opportunities employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.