Senior Research Finance Officer(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Accounting / Finance, Automotive Jobs
Uk
January 1, 2026
Full Time Permanent
Apply Now

Job Description

The Role

The University of Sussex is looking for a Senior Research Finance Officer to support the effective financial management of a diverse portfolio of externally funded research projects.

In this role, you will take ownership of post-award financial management, guiding projects from initial set-up through delivery, audit, and closure. Acting as a trusted financial partner to academics and professional colleagues, you will provide clear, expert advice to ensure projects remain compliant with funder rules and University policies while supporting informed decision-making.

While experience in higher education research finance is welcome, it is not essential. Candidates with strong transferable experience in areas such as project accounting, financial controls, or stakeholder-focused finance roles are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Research Finance Officer, you will:

  • Manage the full post-award financial lifecycle of multiple research projects
  • Ensure accurate financial reporting in line with funder and institutional requirements
  • Provide expert advice on budgets, forecasts, and expenditure to academics and research teams
  • Support audits and funder reviews, acting as a key point of contact
  • Monitor financial risk and compliance across your portfolio
  • Build effective working relationships with researchers, finance colleagues, and external funders
  • Contribute to continuous improvement in research finance processes

About You

You are an organised and analytical finance professional who enjoys working in a complex, collaborative environment.

Essential skills and experience

  • Experience in project accounting, financial management, or a related role
  • A solid understanding of core accounting principles
  • Strong IT skills and confidence working with financial systems and data
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly
  • The ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines

Desirable experience

  • Experience in higher education, research funding, or the public sector
  • Familiarity with funder compliance frameworks
  • Experience supporting audits or external financial reviews

About the Research and Innovation Division

The Research and Innovation Division supports Sussex’s mission to generate new knowledge, foster innovation, and deliver real-world impact. The Division works across disciplines and borders, supporting researchers from bid development through to project delivery.

The scale of activity reflects this ambition. In the last year alone, the Division submitted hundreds of funding applications, secured over two hundred awards, and established a similarly large number of new projects—making this a fast-moving and intellectually stimulating environment.

Why Work at the University of Sussex?

Set within a 150-acre campus beside the South Downs National Park, the University of Sussex offers an outstanding working environment with excellent transport links, including a dedicated on-campus train station.

As a public-facing institution, the University operates in line with UK employment, finance, and research governance standards, including:

Right to work in the UK guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work

Skilled Worker visa information:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Sussex is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds, and reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process are available on request.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit the University of Sussex vacancies page and submit your application by:

Closing date: 12 January 2026 (15:59 GMT)

Related Jobs