Michael Page Finance Looking for Head of Research Finance and Contracts at East Sussex (On-site) Full Time

Head of Research Finance and Contracts opportunity within the Higher Education sector

Qualified ACCA/CIMA/ACA Accountant required

Client Details

An exciting opportunity exists to join a Higher Education organisation with a brilliant reputation to lead the Research Finance team in the provision of high-quality post-award advice and support for research and knowledge exchange activity. The post-holder will lead a team managing all financial and legal aspects of awarded grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with funder and sponsor terms and conditions.

You will manage the provision of project reporting to relevant stakeholders, alongside statutory reporting to ensure compliance with funding policies. You will also support grant and contract holders to maximise funding and resources to deliver agreed research and contract outcomes.

Description

The Head of Research Finance and Contracts will lead a team of 19 members with 3 direct reports & will lead the provision of high-quality post award advice and support for research and knowledge exchange activity. The post-holder will lead a team managing all financial and legal aspects of awarded grants and contracts, including doctoral training accounts, ensuring compliance with funder and sponsor terms and conditions. You will manage the provision of statutory reporting, internal and external audits, and ensure compliance with funding policies. You will also support grant and contract holders to maximise funding and resources to deliver agreed research and contract outcomes; ensure that timely claims for funding are made, and report financial outcomes from projects. You will oversee the provision of up-to-date project reporting to grant holders, School Finance Business Partners, and Heads of School. A key aspect of the role is to lead on the provision of research income, cost and contribution forecasting, building robust processes to meet the annual academic planning round requirements. The Head will also hold responsibility for all legal contract, and post-award operational processes within the Division. As a member of the RES leadership team, the postholder is expected to contribute to the wider work of the RES division, working closely with the heads of each area.

Provide leadership to your teams, promote and maintain a high-quality Professional Services team, engendering a culture of continuous improvement.

Responsible for setting the standards of delivery in areas of responsibility and ensuring appropriate resources are available to deliver planned services.

Set strategic direction and vision for the teams ensuring resulting policies are in alignment with strategic objectives.

Work in partnership with other internal and external stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment of service

Working closely with the team leads, ensure that service delivery meets statutory, legal and financial reporting requirements associated with funded grants and contracts.

Responsible for the provision of accurate and timely financial information to stakeholders for RES in accordance with corporate timetables.

Profile

Knowledge of the Higher Education sector.

Experience of identifying opportunities for process improvement and implementation

Experience of leading and supporting teams through significant change

Experience of reviewing, drafting and negotiating contract terms

Experience of working in a similar or related role in higher education or in a research organisation.

An accountancy qualification ACA, ACCA, CIMA or similar.

A post doctoral qualification in a related area.

Applied management accounting skills, with detailed knowledge of full economic costing and TRAC 2. Knowledge of grant and contract funded research and related legal contract terms, with a detailed knowledge of major UK and EC funder terms

An awareness of the research policy context of UK higher education,

Experience of leading teams focused on delivering customer service

Experience of research finance administration processes and systems to support it.

Job Offer

Our HR policy is that this role is hybrid 50/50 between home/office, although we are open to discuss with candidates. We support and expect our staff to have a strong work/life balance.

We have a range of learning and development opportunities, through sector groups, LinkedIn Learning membership, Organisational Development department and various conferences/events

• Two gyms, with cheap membership (Around £14/month)

including weights, exercise classes, sports halls, outdoor football, tennis etc

(Plus the campus has lots of running or biking routes nearby)

• Theatre
• Multiple cafes, bars and restaurants
• Beautiful countryside setting, with an abundance of nature, walks etc
• Parking – plenty available for £2.00 per day or £30 per month
• Good bus and rail links – we are next to Falmer station
• Creche
• Plenty of cycle security, and showers in our office area
• Library
• Health centre, dentist and pharmacy
• Royal Mail post office