Research Finance Manager

Research Finance Manager

Join the Finance Division at Oxford, managing research award finances from set-up to closure. You’ll lead a small team, ensure compliance with funder terms, oversee claims and billing, and provide expert advice to departments. The role involves stakeholder engagement, training delivery, process improvements, and risk management.

Location: Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, with the option of some hybrid/remote working

Salary: £38,674–£46,913 per annum

Contract: Full Time, Fixed Term Contract until January 2027, this vacancy may also be considered as a secondment opportunity

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires,” the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for nine consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

Integral to the University, the Finance Division aims to enable world-class research and education by collaborating on sound financial strategy to provide long-term resources, underpinned by excellent operational and professional services. For more information, please visit: https://finance.admin.ox.ac.uk/

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.

• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.

• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.

• An excellent contributory pension scheme.

• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.

• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the four Research Finance Managers work together to ensure that financial best practice is embedded across the Research Accounts team, in the areas of claims and billing, the set-up and reconciliation of all research awards, and adherence to funder terms and conditions.

You will work closely with staff in academic departments, funder organisations and the University’s Research Services team to ensure that all research accounting matters are dealt with in a professional and controlled way, and provide follow-on support to departmental staff as necessary once they have received initial training on the Oracle projects module.

About You

• Experience of working in a complex financial administration function in a customer focussed environment.

• Evidence of a high level of analytical capability as evidenced by a) education to degree level, or b) a proven track record of performing complex reconciliations in a previous role or c) a part-qualification from one of the main accounting bodies and a demonstrable desire, and ability, to complete that qualification.

• Experience of managing staff in a busy environment or evidence of the skills required to do so.

• Strong PC skills, in particular to an advanced level with spreadsheets.

• Effective team worker, with proven ability to contribute as a team member in a busy office environment and to provide flexible support as required.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage a wide caseload of projects and adhere to deadlines with a proactive attitude.

• Previous experience of research award management is desirable

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution.

Application Process

Applying will take you through to our website where you will be asked to submit

• A covering letter/supporting statement

• Your CV

• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 18th August

Interviews will take place on shortly after the closing date