Senior Innovation Finance Officer(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

The University of Sussex is seeking an experienced and proactive Senior Innovation Finance Officer to join our Research and Innovation Division on a permanent basis.

This role focuses on the post-award financial management of innovation and commercial projects, supporting activity that translates research into real-world impact. You will oversee projects from financial set-up through to closure and audit, ensuring robust financial governance and full compliance with funder terms and University policies.

As a trusted finance partner, you will provide expert advice and practical guidance to academic colleagues and professional services teams, helping them navigate complex funding arrangements and make well-informed financial decisions.

Experience within higher education is welcome but not essential. We strongly encourage applications from candidates in other sectors who can demonstrate transferable skills in areas such as project accounting, commercial finance, or stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage post-award finances for a portfolio of innovation and commercial projects
• Ensure accurate financial set-up, monitoring, forecasting, and close-down of projects
• Maintain compliance with external funder rules, audit requirements, and internal policies
• Provide clear, actionable financial advice to academics and professional colleagues
• Support audits and financial reporting associated with innovation funding
• Build strong relationships across departments to support successful project delivery

About You

You will bring experience in project-based financial management, supported by a sound understanding of accounting principles. You are confident using financial systems and digital tools and can communicate financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance audiences.

Highly organised and adaptable, you are comfortable managing competing priorities across a diverse portfolio. You enjoy working collaboratively and are confident offering pragmatic advice that supports effective decision-making and risk management.

About the Research and Innovation Division

The Research and Innovation Division supports the University’s mission to deliver research and innovation that benefits society. We help academics turn ideas into funded projects, partnerships, and commercial opportunities that deliver meaningful impact locally, nationally, and globally.

Our strategy centres on people, interdisciplinary collaboration, research integrity, grant capture, and international reputation. The scale of our work reflects this ambition: in the last year, we submitted 681 funding bids, secured 230 awards, and set up 227 new projects, making this a dynamic and fast-moving environment.

Why Join the University of Sussex?

Set within 150 acres at the edge of the South Downs, our campus offers a unique and inspiring place to work. The University is well connected by public transport, with Falmer railway station just a five-minute walk away, alongside multiple bus routes and dedicated cycling paths. We actively promote sustainable commuting through initiatives such as our cycle-to-work scheme.

Sussex is a globally recognised, research-led university, and our success is built on the diversity, expertise, and commitment of our people. We strive to create an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

Right to Work and Visa Information

All work for the University of Sussex must be carried out within the UK.

This post may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, subject to eligibility criteria. The role aligns with SOC Code 4124 (Finance Officers), with a published going rate of £41,700. Sponsorship eligibility will depend on whether the candidate can meet the salary requirement through tradeable points and holds an existing Skilled Worker visa issued before 22 July 2025.

Further Information and How to Apply

The University of Sussex is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

If you experience technical issues with the application portal or require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process