Job Purpose:

The Research Accountant is responsible for leading a team within Research Finance Services (RFS) spanning pre- and post-award activities for externally funded projects, from costing and submission of applications through to claiming, accounting and audit for the awarded funds.

The role-holder will support the integrity of research policy and accounting processes by the provision of technical financial and accounting advice, supporting the team in the delivery of a high quality professional service to the University.

They will also lead on provision of reporting, developing existing systems and reports to meet both internal and external requirements.

Principal Duties:

* Manage a functional RFS team to successfully deliver a professional service supporting research activities;

* Develop and coach staff to enable the team as a whole and the individuals within it to reach their full potential;

* Ensure accurate financial accounting for externally funded research activity, including revenue recognition;

* Responsible for the production of research budgeting and forecasting throughout the year, ensuring data integrity at project level and working closely with the Finance Business Partner Team;

* Develop the University's capability to produce accurate forecasts of financial performance;

* Speed up routine financial reporting fully utilising the capability of systems;

* Ensure effective management of foreign currency research projects, working closely with the Treasury Manager to minimise currency risks;

* Responsible for producing cash flow forecasts for research activities, working closely with the Treasury Manager;

* Ensure that service delivery is achieved while maintaining adherence to both University policies and the legal, regulatory & financial requirements of individual research awards (including audit);

* Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, on technical research issues and other accounting and reporting requirements relating to research grant projects to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders;

* Responsible for accurate and timely analysis and reporting on research funding activity to meet internal and external requirements (e.g. KPls, overhead forecasting, HESA, REF and KTG), working across existing and new systems where required, and promoting an understanding of research data across the institution.

* Lead on a range of initiatives and developments appropriate to the seniority of the role, providing strategic decision making and working autonomously as required;

* Demonstrate initiative and a pro-active mind-set in identifying improvement opportunities, investigating and resolving financial issues and challenging established ways of working;

* Liaison and negotiation with external parties as required, provide challenging and robust financial and strategic input in order to protect and promote the interests of the University;

* Work with senior team members to develop and maintain a culture of continuous improvement to drive service levels, quality of internal control, promote efficiency and make best use of resources;

* Demonstrate initiative and a pro-active mind-set in identifying improvement; opportunities, investigating and resolving financial issues and challenging established ways of working;

* Working closely with the Financial Accounting team to support cross-functional activities;

* Monitor changes to Financial Reporting Standards and HE SORPs to ensure accurate accounting for research activity;

* Deputise for the Head of Research Finance Services as required

Internal and External Relationships

* Ensure University compliance for both internal and external audit requirements;

* Responsible for building and maintaining strong communication links and strategic partnerships (i) externally with funding bodies and partner HEls and (ii) internally with academic staff and with central and school administrative teams;

* Develop relationships with Deans, School Managers and other senior School staff which allow for both appropriate robust challenge and close partnering support;

* Represent the University within UK sector level groups, (e.g. Scottish Universities Self Help Group for TRAC).

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience Essential

* Fully qualified accountant (ICAEW, ICAS, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent) post qualification experience relevant to role;

* Application of financial/business processes and controls;

* Operation of devolved financial management;

* Up-to-date knowledge of technical accounting developments and practice;

* Thorough understanding of fundamental accounting principles and transactions;

* Understanding of systems/services and their dependencies across organisational functions;

* Experience of internal and external reporting within an organisation of comparable size;

* Experience of communicating financial information to non-finance specialists at all levels across the organisation

Desirable

* Knowledge of:-

* The Higher Education sector

* Research grant funding

* Research finance management

* University decision making

* Excellent business report writing skills

* Experience of management accounting in a large and complex organisation

* Application of project and long-term contract accounting and reporting

* Understanding of research grant administration, accounting and management processes

Skills, Abilities and Competencies: Essential

* High degree of systems literacy;

* Ability to define priorities and work flexibly and effectively under pressure to meet demanding and sometimes conflicting deadlines

* High level, hands-on IT skills with a proven record of development and achievement in the provision of management information;

* Capable of dealing with technical accounting issues;

* Able to work at both a detailed level and a strategic level;

* Able to build effective working relationships with financial and non-financial managers across the University and outside;

* Able to explain complex financial issues to a non-financial audience;

* Good problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply technical knowledge in practical business environment;

* An appreciation of the need to maintain accuracy, and the ability to proactively check work to ensure that this is delivered;

* Strong understanding of budgetary control processes and the principles of devolved budget management;

* Excellent inter-personal and communication skills, both written and oral

* Good team working skills;

* Ability to analyse and interpret financial information;

* Adaptable and open to change