Senior Innovation Finance Officer (UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

The Opportunity

We are seeking a skilled and forward-thinking Senior Innovation Finance Officer to join the University of Sussex’s Research and Innovation Division. This permanent role sits at the heart of the University’s innovation and commercial activity, supporting projects that translate research and ideas into real-world impact.

You will manage the full post-award financial lifecycle for a portfolio of innovation and commercial projects, from project set-up through to completion and audit. Acting as a trusted finance partner, you will provide expert, practical advice to academics and professional services colleagues, ensuring projects are financially robust, compliant with funder requirements, and aligned with University policies.

While experience in higher education is advantageous, it is not essential. We welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate strong transferable skills from other complex, regulated, or commercial environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee post-award financial management for a portfolio of innovation and commercial projects, from initiation to close-down.
• Ensure compliance with funder terms and conditions, contractual obligations, and University financial regulations.
• Prepare and review financial reports, forecasts, and reconciliations to support effective project management and decision-making.
• Act as a key contact for audits and financial reviews, providing clear explanations and accurate documentation.
• Build strong working relationships with academics, innovation teams, and professional services colleagues across the University.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, controls, and ways of working within innovation finance.

About You

You will be a confident and organised finance professional with a solid grounding in accounting principles and experience of managing projects or budgets in a structured environment.

You will bring:

• Experience in project accounting, financial management, or a similar role within a complex organisation.
• Strong IT and systems skills, with the ability to analyse and interpret financial data effectively.
• Clear and approachable communication skills, enabling you to work productively with both finance and non-finance colleagues.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• A pragmatic, solution-focused approach to problem-solving and advisory work.

About the Research and Innovation Division

The Research and Innovation Division supports the development of ideas, partnerships, and innovations that deliver meaningful benefits to society. By working closely with academic colleagues, industry partners, and funders, the Division helps turn research excellence into practical solutions and commercial opportunities.

Our strategy is shaped by people, integrity, interdisciplinarity, grant capture, and international reputation. The scale of our activity reflects this ambition: in the past year, the University submitted over 680 funding bids, secured more than 230 awards, and successfully set up over 220 projects.

Why Work at the University of Sussex?

Located on a 150-acre campus at the edge of the South Downs National Park, the University of Sussex offers a distinctive and inspiring place to work. The campus is easily accessible, with Falmer train station a short walk away, regular bus services, dedicated cycle routes, and a cycle-to-work scheme.

Sussex is a globally recognised, research-led university, and our achievements are driven by the people who work here. We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where staff can thrive and develop their careers.

Additional Information

• All work for the University must be carried out within the United Kingdom.
• This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship under SOC code 4124 (Finance officers), subject to UK Visas and Immigration requirements.
• Informal enquiries are welcome and can be directed to Bikram Singh.
• The University of Sussex is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds.