Senior Research Finance Officer(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

The University of Sussex is seeking a motivated Senior Research Finance Officer to manage the post-award financial administration of a portfolio of research projects. This includes everything from project setup, monitoring, and reporting, to project closure and audit support.

You will provide expert advice to academic and professional colleagues, ensuring compliance with funder requirements, institutional policies, and accounting standards.

While experience in higher education is beneficial, candidates with transferable skills in project accounting, financial management, or stakeholder engagement from other sectors are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage post-award finances for research projects, including budgets, expenditure tracking, and reporting
• Provide practical financial advice and guidance to researchers and professional staff
• Ensure compliance with funders’ regulations and University policies
• Prepare financial information for audits and project reviews
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for project management and reporting
• Support colleagues in informed decision-making by providing clear, pragmatic financial guidance

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in project accounting, ideally within higher education or a complex organisational environment
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and practices
• Well-developed IT skills, including finance and reporting systems
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working with diverse stakeholders
• Highly organised, able to prioritise workloads and manage multiple projects concurrently
• Confident in providing clear financial guidance and supporting colleagues’ decision-making

About the Division

The Research and Innovation Division at Sussex is at the forefront of advancing knowledge and generating real-world impact. In the past year alone:

• 681 funding bids were submitted
• 230 awards secured
• 227 projects successfully set up

Our strategy focuses on people, interdisciplinary collaboration, integrity, grant capture, and international reputation.

Visa & Eligibility

This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The assigned SOC code is 4124 – Finance Officers, with a going rate of £41,700. Sponsorship eligibility depends on:

• Meeting the salary requirement (tradeable points may apply)
• Holding an existing Skilled Worker visa issued before 22 July 2025

Why Work Here

• Work on a beautiful 150-acre campus adjacent to the South Downs
• Accessible via Falmer train station and on-campus bus services
• Supportive of cycling and sustainable transport, including a cycle-to-work scheme
• Join a research-led, international university that values its staff and students
• Enjoy professional development opportunities and a competitive reward and benefits package

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Sussex values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. Applications are welcomed from all backgrounds.