Research Finance Business Partner

Salary: 35608 to 37694 with progression to 46049 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 01 March 2026

The Role

We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and motived Finance Business Partner to join our dedicated Post Award Research Finance team covering the Faculty of Science Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) and the Faculty of Medical Science (FMS). You will provide a high-quality financial management service to our academic community and be responsible for the post-award financial activities of externally funded research projects.

With line management responsibility for research project focused Finance Officers you will ensure the delivery of an excellent research finance service to the Faculty Schools Institutes and individual researchers with a focus on supporting decision-making and assisting in the delivery of strategic and operational activities. Strong communication staff management and relationship-building skills are essential.

As part of the Post Award Research Finance Team you will lead oversee and provide co-ordination including technical and development expertise in the financial management of projects (Research) across the Faculties of Science Agriculture & Engineering (SAgE) and Medical Sciences.

You will work closely with budget holders/Principal Investigators (PIs) to undertake the costing of project amendments following recognised principles and guidelines and will support the financial administration of research grant applications post award financial management and provide advice on external funder regulations.

This is a full time fixed term post available for 12 months. This role is open to colleagues wishing to take a secondment and you should discuss this with your current manager before submitting your application.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Wayne Younger ().

To apply please upload CV and covering letter evidencing how your skills and experience aligns to the person specification as outlined within the job description.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and direct one of the faculty Research Finance subgroups responsible for post award finance within the Research Finance Team and costing project amendments.
• Develop and implement effective project costing and post award finance processes to meet the requirements of the Head and Deputy Head of Faculty Finance and the Faculty PVC.
• Support an effective research budget and forecast review process to meet the requirements of Head and Deputy Head of Faculty Finance and the Faculty PVCs.
• In liaison with project leads undertake the costing of project amendments following recognised principles and guidelines and using appropriate systems e.g. NUProjects.
• Work collaboratively with Research Managers to deliver a flexible proactive and seamless Research Support network for the academic community.
• Provide advice and guidance related to the application of project costing and post award finance across the Faculty and ensure compliance with agreed University / Faculty standards.
• Implement an effective post award finance process at the School level to meet the requirements of the Research Finance lead and the Faculty PVCs.
• Assisting the Research Finance lead contribute to the continued development of financial reports specifically to support accurate financial monitoring of projects.
• Ensure effective control and adherence to both University and external sponsors regulations policies and procedures is maintained within the Faculties.
• Widen the general understanding of financial issues related to projects by the preparation and delivery of courses / workshops.
• Working with other key members of Finance e.g. Head of Contract Financial Management and Management Accountant (costing) to ensure adherence to regulations and to share best practice.
• To undertake any other duties of a relevant nature as required by the Research Finance lead.

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge Skills and Experience

• Experience of project or research accounting including project costing budget management and financial reporting.
• Experience of leading supervising and coordinating the work of a team including allocating workload and developing staff.
• Significant experience of providing financial advice and support to non-financial stakeholders including explaining complex information clearly.
• Experience of developing or improving financial processes and systems to enhance efficiency and control.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and produce accurate management information.
• Highly developed IT and systems skills including Excel and enterprise finance systems (e.g. SAP or similar).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a complex fast-paced environment.

Attributes and Behaviours

• Demonstrates the ability to lead motivate and develop a finance sub team fostering collaboration and maintaining high performance standards.
• Applies strong analytical skills to manage complex financial data ensuring accuracy and compliance in project costing and reporting.
• Anticipates challenges identifies opportunities for process improvement and implements practical effective solutions.
• Clearly explains complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders adapting style and approach to suit different audiences.
• Manages multiple priorities meets deadlines and maintains effective control over financial processes and documentation.
• Works effectively across departments building constructive partnerships with academics finance colleagues and external sponsors.
• Ensures adherence to university and sponsor regulations while actively contributing to the enhancement of financial systems policies and training.

Qualifications (Essential)

• Degree or equivalent level qualification in relevant field OR significant relevant experience in a similar role.

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a GoldAthena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality CharterBronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 29081

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