Project Accountant (Reporting and Compliance)

Reporting to our Head of Project Accountingyoulltake the lead onimplementing finance project reviews with ourproject managers. This is a key role at the heart of UKCEHs research funding ecosystem - one that ensures our worldleading science is delivered with integrityaccountabilityand financial excellence.

As our lead for UKRI grant reportingyoullplay a pivotal part in safeguarding the smooth running of our funded projects enabling researchers to focus on tackling major environmental challenges.Working closely with project managers projectaccountantsand research fundersyoullact as a trusted expert who guides colleagues through complex reporting requirements and drives continual improvement in our financial project management processes.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Lead and deliver UKRI grant reporting

• Act as UKCEHs lead for UKRI grant reporting ensuringaccurateandtimelysubmission of Financial Expenditure Statements (FES)via the Joint Funding Service portal.

• Coordinate and schedule all UKRI reporting activity.

• Serve as the primary contact for audit documentation managing queries from auditors and research councilson UKRI grants.

• Provide backup cover forJeSsubmissions andadministration.

• Work collaboratively with the Project Reporting and Compliance Lead through weekly progress meetings.

Support wider funder reporting and audits

• Reviewcost statementsfor a range of external funders such as UN and UNEP projects ensuring clarity and compliance.

• Prepare funder reports wheree.g. UNESCOprojectsandsupport the EU Reporting Lead as needed.

Lead on finance project reviews

• Schedule and deliver financial project reviews using existing tools working closely with senior Project Accountants.

• Develop and embed a formal project review framework including startup reviews preclosurechecksand riskbased scheduling.

• Empower Project Support Officersfor perform reviewsby enabling a consistent standardised approach to project reviews.

Drive continuous improvement

• Collaborate with Project Accountants to create clear tailored reporting templates for a variety of funders.

• Support the rollout of key finance policies such as subcontracting and project manager finance task notes helping to strengthen best practice across UKCEH.

Youllbe joining a friendlycollaborativeand valuesdriven finance team where your contributions genuinely matter. This role offers the chance to build strong relationships across the organisation working closely with colleagues from diversebackgrounds includingproject managersscientistsand operational teams.Youlldeepen yourexpertise play a meaningful part in how we deliver our research programmes and help ensure our pioneering environmental science continues to make a realworld impact.

To thrive in this roleyoullbring a truly collaborative approach: someone who supports colleagues delegates effectively and works confidently as part of a team.Youllbe skilled at partnering with nonfinance colleagues translating financial information clearly and building trust with academic scientists and project teams. Alongside this your strong organisational skills and ability to manage your workload independently will enable you to plan prioritise and deliver highquality work in a dynamic purposedriven environment.

For the role ofProject Accountantwerelooking for somebody who has:

• Accountancy training or qualification - trainee part or fully qualified (wellalso consider alternative professional qualifications ornon-qualification basedrelevant experience)

• Experience with UKRI postaward grant management including familiarity withJeSor the Joint Funding Service

• Proven experience in external funder reporting and audit processes

• Strong financial systems experience (Workday desirable) and excellent Excel skills

*This postcan be equally performedbasedout ofany of our four sites. (Lancaster WallingfordEdinburghor Bangor) with flexible hybrid arrangements.

Youllbe joining a leading independent not-for-profit research institutethatscommitted to recruiting talented people like you progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Our science makes a real difference enabling people and the environment to prosper and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

Working for UKCEH is rewarding

We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-orientedperks such as:

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure

• 10% employer pension contribution

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)

• Peer reward and recognition scheme

• Dental insurance gym/fitness discounts retail discount portal

• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

• 24-hour 365-day support with physical mental social health or financial issues and much more...

Apply todaywith a SupportingStatement

If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals the team would love to receive your application.Please answer the following questions below providing up to 150 words per question. Use specific examples from your experience and focus on your personal contribution and impact (Please do notsubmita cover letter - your responses to the questions below will be used in place of a cover letter)

• Give examples of where you have communicated financial information to non-finance colleagues concentrating on academic/scientific colleagues where possible.

• Outline your experience of UKRI grant post award reporting e.g. use ofJeS/ joint funding service and submission of Final Expenditure Statements.

• What interests you about this role and working for UKCEH (we are keen to understand your motivation for applying to UKCEH).

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At UKCEH we are committed to creating an inclusive andequitableworkplace where everyonehas the opportunity tothrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds identities abilities and circumstances. As a Disability Confident employer we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and people with disabilities andwerehappy to provide adjustments or support at any stage of the recruitment process - just let us know. Ifyoureexcited about this role but your experiencedoesntalign perfectly with every requirementwedlove to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.