Senior Research Finance Officer (UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

The Role

We are seeking a knowledgeable and proactive Senior Research Finance Officer to join the University of Sussex’s Research and Innovation Division. In this role, you will take responsibility for the full post-award financial lifecycle of a diverse portfolio of research projects, from initial set-up through to project close-down and audit.

You will act as a trusted source of financial expertise for academic staff and professional services colleagues, providing clear, practical advice to ensure research projects are managed in line with funder regulations and University financial policies. The role offers the opportunity to work across a wide range of externally funded projects and contribute directly to the success and sustainability of the University’s research activity.

Experience within higher education is welcome but not essential. We strongly encourage applications from candidates with transferable experience in areas such as project accounting, grant management, or complex financial environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of post-award financial administration for a portfolio of research projects, from award acceptance to final reconciliation.
• Ensure compliance with funder terms and conditions, University financial regulations, and audit requirements.
• Provide accurate financial reporting, forecasting, and advice to support informed decision-making by academics and managers.
• Support project audits and reviews, acting as a key point of contact for auditors and funders where required.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Research and Innovation Division and wider University to resolve financial issues and improve processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of research finance practices and systems.

About You

You will be an organised and detail-oriented finance professional with a strong understanding of accounting principles and experience of managing budgets or projects in a structured environment.

You will bring:

• Experience in project accounting or financial management, ideally within a complex or regulated organisation.
• Strong IT and systems skills, with the ability to work confidently with financial and reporting tools.
• Clear and effective communication skills, enabling you to explain financial information to non-financial colleagues.
• The ability to prioritise a varied workload, meet deadlines, and manage competing demands.
• A collaborative approach, with the confidence to provide pragmatic, solution-focused advice.

About the Research and Innovation Division

The Research and Innovation Division supports the development of ideas and discoveries that deliver real-world impact. By working closely with academic colleagues and external partners, the Division enables the creation of new knowledge, innovative solutions, and meaningful societal change.

Our strategy is built around people, research excellence, interdisciplinarity, integrity, and global reputation. This ambition is reflected in the scale of our activity: in the last year, the University submitted over 680 funding bids, secured more than 230 research awards, and set up over 220 new projects.

Why Work at Sussex?

Set within 150 acres at the foot of the South Downs National Park, the University of Sussex offers a distinctive and supportive working environment. The campus is well connected, with Falmer train station just a five-minute walk away, regular bus services, dedicated cycling routes, and a cycle-to-work scheme.

As a leading, research-intensive international university, Sussex is proud of its diverse community. Our success is driven by the people who work and study here, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace, competitive benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

Additional Information

• All work for the University must be carried out within the United Kingdom.
• This post may be eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship under SOC code 4124 (Finance officers), subject to UK Visas and Immigration rules.
• 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.