Senior Research Finance Officer Ref: 42189 (Fixed Term)

University of Sussex; Brighton; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Brighton is seeking a Senior Research Finance Officer. This fixed-term position involves managing post-award financial processes for a variety of research projects while ensuring compliance with funder requirements. The successful candidate will have substantial experience in project accounting and financial management, alongside excellent IT and communication skills. This role supports flexible working arrangements to accommodate diverse needs.

Benefits

Cycle to work scheme

Access to 150-acre campus

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience in project accounting preferably in higher education.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles.
• Well-developed IT skills and clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Manage post-award financial management for research projects.
• Provide expert advice on financial compliance.
• Ensure effective communication with a range of stakeholders.

Skills

Project accounting

Financial management

Stakeholder engagement

Effective communication

IT skills

Job description

Senior Research Finance Officer Ref: 42189 (Fixed Term)

Brighton, UK

Hours

Full time. Requests for flexible working options will be considered (subject to business need).

Grade 6 starting at £ 34,610 to £ 38,784 per annum, pro rata if part time.

Contract Type

Fixed Term Contract

About the role

As a Senior Research Finance Officer, you will be responsible for all aspects of post-award financial management for a portfolio of research projects, from project set-up through to project closure and any associated audits. You will provide expert post-award financial advice and guidance to academics and professional colleagues across the University, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and institutional policies.

While experience within higher education is desirable, candidates without direct HE experience are strongly encouraged to apply. If you can demonstrate relevant transferable skills—particularly in project accounting, financial management, or stakeholder engagement—your application will be fully considered.

About you

You will ideally have experience in project accounting, preferably within a higher education or similarly complex environment, supported by a strong understanding of accounting principles. You will possess well-developed IT skills, alongside clear and effective communication skills, enabling you to work confidently with a range of stakeholders.

You will be highly organised, with the ability to prioritise and manage your own workload effectively while overseeing a varied portfolio of projects. You will also be comfortable providing clear, pragmatic advice to colleagues and supporting informed decision-making.

About our Division

The Research and Innovation Division plays a central role in developing ideas and innovations that contribute to the global community. Through our work, we support the creation of new knowledge, insights, and solutions that lead to meaningful change and real-world impact.

Our strategy focuses on people, research strengths, interdisciplinarity, integrity, grant capture, and international reputation. The scale and pace of our activity reflects this ambition: in the last year alone, we submitted 681 funding bids, secured 230 awards, and completed the set-up of 227 projects—illustrating just how dynamic and fast-moving the Division is.

Our university is situated off the A27, next to the beautiful South Downs where you will enjoy everything that our 150-acre campus has to offer. We are accessible by public transport; Falmer train station is a five-minute walk to campus and several bus stops are located within campus. We also have dedicated cycling paths and encourage our staff to use these with our offering of a cycle to work scheme.

Sussex is a renowned, multi-accredited, research-led International University and this is only possible because of the people that work here. Whether you are a member of Faculty, part of a Professional Services team or a Student, it’s our people that make us great and we want you to be part of that.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. The assigned SOC code 4124 Finance officers and the going rate is £41,700. Eligibility for sponsorship will depend on whether the candidate can make use of tradeable points to meet the salary offered and also holds an existing Skilled Worker sponsorship which began before 22 July 2025.

If you are experiencing any issues using our application portal or if you require adjustments to be made to the selection process, please contact us on [phone] or [e-mail] to discuss your requirements.