Research Accountant Job Description
Job Summary:
The Research Accountant will provide professional services for tracking and reporting financial and KPI performance across our research programmes from all funding sources.
Main Responsibilities:
* Manage, prepare, and interpret finance and business reports, budgets, accounts, commentaries, and financial statements.
* Oversee all financial administration, including invoicing, cash flow and cost share reporting, journals, correspondence, project setup, procurement, payment of suppliers, and resolving queries.
* Assist with research proposal budgeting.
* Track, manage, and prepare KPI reports for the Centre.
* Highlight deviations between projected and actual performance to the Centre Manager and Centre Director.
* Collaborate with staff and management at all levels, both internally and externally, to track and report on financial management and KPIs of projects and the Centre.
* Liaise with industry partners and international funding agencies as needed.
* Work closely with Finance Offices and Research Accountants to ensure timely and accurate reporting on activities.
* Use strong financial analysis skills to produce projections and provide essential financial planning for the Centre.
* Produce timely and accurate financial reports for internal and external requirements.
* Coordinate financial planning and support services with the Operations Team for funding applications, project management reports, business development pipeline management, and resource planning.
* Generate financial summaries and meet with PIs and FIs regularly to report on the financial standing of their projects.
* Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across Support Units to ensure accurate and timely reporting and project progress.
Requirements:
* Recognized Accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and at least 3 years post-qualification experience.
* Experience working in a multi-division organization.
* Experience managing or administering projects in complex environments.
* Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Strong analytical, administrative, and good judgement skills.
* Ability to work effectively to deadlines.
* Strategic evaluation and review skills, with the ability to highlight issues and identify solutions.
* Project Management qualifications are desirable but not essential.
* Proven experience with the Agresso financial management software system is desirable.
* Advanced Excel skills.