Senior Innovation Finance(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Accounting / Finance, Automotive Jobs
Uk
December 22, 2025
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

Role Overview

We are seeking a detail-focused and forward-thinking Senior Innovation Finance Officer to join the Research and Innovation Division on a permanent basis. This role plays a key part in supporting the financial management of innovation and commercial activity across the University, helping to ensure projects are delivered effectively, compliantly and with maximum impact.

You will take responsibility for the post-award financial management of a diverse portfolio of innovation and commercial projects, from initial set-up through to closure and audit. Working closely with academics, researchers and professional colleagues, you will provide trusted financial guidance that supports informed decision-making and successful project delivery.

Experience in higher education is welcomed but not essential. Candidates with strong transferable finance or project accounting skills from other complex or regulated environments are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Innovation Finance Officer, you will:

  • Manage the full post-award financial lifecycle for innovation and commercial projects
  • Provide expert financial advice to academics and professional services colleagues
  • Ensure compliance with funder requirements, contractual terms and institutional policies
  • Monitor budgets, forecasts, expenditure and financial risks across multiple projects
  • Support internal and external audits, ensuring accurate records and robust controls
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial processes and reporting
  • Work within recognised public sector financial frameworks and accountability standards
  • You will also support compliance with innovation funding bodies and public funders such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

About You

You will be a confident finance professional with experience in project-based financial management and a strong grasp of accounting principles. You will enjoy working collaboratively, translating financial information into clear, practical advice for non-finance colleagues.

You will also demonstrate:

  • Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a varied workload
  • Well-developed IT skills, including financial systems and spreadsheets
  • Clear and effective communication with a wide range of stakeholders
  • A proactive, solution-focused approach to financial problem-solving
  • An understanding of governance, compliance and public accountability

About the Research & Innovation Division

The Research and Innovation Division supports the University’s mission to generate knowledge, innovation and impact that benefits society. We work across disciplines and with external partners to secure funding, manage awards and support commercialisation and knowledge exchange.

Our ambition is reflected in the scale of our activity. In the last year alone, we supported:

  • 681 funding applications
  • 230 successful awards
  • 227 new project set-ups

This fast-paced environment offers both challenge and opportunity for professional growth.

Why Work at Sussex?

The University of Sussex is a research-led, internationally recognised university, located on a 150-acre campus at the edge of the South Downs National Park.

We offer:

  • Excellent transport links, including an on-campus train station
  • Support for sustainable travel, including cycling infrastructure and a cycle-to-work scheme
  • A strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Our success is driven by our people, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace.

Right to Work & Sponsorship

  • All work for the University must be carried out in the UK.
  • This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, subject to eligibility requirements

Skilled Worker visa guidance

https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

  • SOC Code: 4124 – Finance Officers
  • Current going rate: £41,700

Eligibility will depend on the candidate’s ability to meet salary thresholds using tradeable points and holding an existing Skilled Worker sponsorship that began before 22 July 2025.

The University of Sussex welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and values diversity across its workforce.

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