Research Finance Officer

We are seeking a motivated, proactive individual to join us and work within the Research Finance Team based in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE). As part of the wider SAgE Finance team, the Research Finance Team administer the financial management of externally funded projects.

Being embedded within the SAgE Faculty will give you the opportunity to be close to the research community, innovative projects, and experience the day-to-day life in a research-intensive Russell Group university. You will also reap the benefits of being part of the wider University Finance Hub and the development opportunities and professional support this can bring.

This is an exciting opportunity to work across a wide spectrum of university services supporting the financial management of projects. This will include providing comprehensive support throughout the full project life cycle, from inception to completion.

You will work closely with budget holders to undertake the costing of project amendments following recognised principles and guidelines and will support the financial administration of research grant applications, post award financial management and provide advice on external funder regulations., We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment and we would be happy to discuss arrangements for flexible working. During your time spent on the University campus, you will be based in the heart of Newcastle city centre and be able to take advantage of all that has to offer, whilst having some opportunities for home working., Provide advice and guidance related to the application of project costing and post award finance across the Faculty and ensure compliance with agreed University / Faculty standards

Support the implementation of an effective post award finance and project costing process at the School level to meet the requirements of the Head and Deputy Head of Faculty Finance and the Faculty PVC

Assisting the Faculty Finance Project Business Partner, contribute to the continued development of financial reports specifically to support accurate financial monitoring of projects

In liaison with project leads, undertake the costing of project amendments following recognised principles and guidelines and using appropriate systems e.g. NUProjects

Ensure effective control and adherence to both University and external sponsor's regulations, policies and procedures is maintained within the Faculty

Work collaboratively with Faculty Research Team to deliver a flexible, proactive and seamless Research Support network for the academic community

Widen the general understanding of financial issues related to projects by the preparation and delivery of courses / workshops

Working with other key members of the Finance office e.g. Head of Contract Financial Management and Management Accountant (costing) to ensure adherence to regulations and to share best practice

Undertake any other duties of a relevant nature as required by the Faculty Finance Business Partner

We are looking for a confident communicator who can build positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders. Good numerical and IT skills are essential, and we need you to be able to work accurately to tight deadlines. To be highly successful in this role, you will need to be well organised and customer impact focused., Demonstrable experience of providing financial support which should include management accounting/reporting, including financial management of projects

Experience of project accounting including project costing

A high degree of literacy, numeracy and IT skills and experience coupled with strong communication skills, both written and verbal

Experience of working effectively in a large and complex organisation to enable successful collaboration between University stakeholders
Desirable

Experience of SAP or other in-house financial systems

Attributes and Behaviour

Embraces change, reviewing and revising plans to meet with changing circumstances, changing ways and policies in light of new information

Develops and implements new ideas, supporting others during change building on others ideas and suggestions and enterprising in approach

Has a clear understanding of individual or group motives, making time to listen and clarify understanding of others to avoid misinterpretation

Communicates effectively, using appropriate tools and methods tailoring content of communication to the audience, changing style, tone and format appropriately

Considers the desired communication impact required, planning and preparing a suitable approach whilst explaining how own proposals will support the interests of others

Maintains flexibility in work plans to allow for changing circumstances whilst working in a planned and structured way

Plans workload and tasks in a systematic way, ensuring all activities are completed on time using systems and tools to ensure records and audit trails are clear and up to date

Qualifications

Education to at least A level standard (minimum 3 x grades A-C) or equivalent standard by experience
Desirable

You are AAT qualified (Association of Accounting Technicians) or equivalent or equivalent work experience

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

Salary: £29,605 to £30,487, with progression to £32,982 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits . We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.