Location Jubilee Campus

Role profile

RPF Band C

Job title

Research Finance Project Coordinator (Fixed term contract)

Job family

and level

Administrative, Professional and Managerial Level 3

School/

Department

Research Operations/

Research & Innovation

Location

Purpose of role

The post sits within the Post Award team, within Research Operations, part of Research & Innovation. The post holder will provide cover an internal secondment. They will work as part of a busy team providing Post Award financial administration of externally funded research project accounts, ensuring compliance with University regulations and funder requirements.

Main responsibilities

(Primary accountabilities and responsibilities expected to fulfil the role)

% time per year

1

Key responsibility

• Identification and input of key project and financial framework data for new externally funded research and related projects on the

University’s finance system and ongoing management of this data.

5%

2

Stakeholder Communication

• To provide expert advice and information to Project Investigators and School administrators regarding the financial management of research project accounts, including on eligibility of expenditure, remaining balances, and budget virement.

• Liaison with funding bodies and collaborators as necessary to ensure information is accurate.

20%

3

Reconciliation

• To provide regular analysis, review and reconciliation of research project accounts; and preparation of invoices, claims including statements of expenditure and final expenditure statements to funding bodies, maximising cost recovery, whilst ensuring claims are justifiable for potential audit. Liaison with external auditors.

20%

4

Financial Risk Analysis

• To monitor the financial performance of projects, minimising institutional exposure to financial risk. This will include comparing expenditure profiles to budget projections, identifying variations or ineligible expenditure, identifying where overheads have not been posted appropriately, alerting project managers of significant

under/overspends, and agreeing and taking corrective action, as appropriate.

5.

Research Finance Responsibilities

• Prompt completion and submission of non-financial documentation relating to the financial administration of the project, for example starting certificates.

• Prompt closure of projects following completion of projects,

processing account balances in accordance with funder terms and conditions and University regulations.

• To check and provide approval for new staff appointments or extensions on research accounts against budget and funder conditions

• To retain an up-to date knowledge of grant or contract terms and conditions, funding regulations and financial procedures in relation to awards and new funders, ensuring compliance in the management and administration of funds

30%

6. • Any other duties commensurate with the role and grade, as directed by the Assistant Manager, Post Award or other senior members of Post Award.

RPF Band C

Person specification

Essential Desirable

Skills

• Knowledge of terms and conditions relating to funding applications or a similar complex environment. • Excellent IT skills and

meticulous attention to detail • High level of numeracy and

proven ability to manipulate figures and data with ease, using spreadsheets and databases.

• Ability to communicate effectively and confidently at all levels

• Ability to work to tight

deadlines under pressure, and play an active, supportive and flexible role within the team. • Excellent oral, written and

communications skills.

• Proven analytical and problem-solving capability.

• Ability to work using initiative and judgment without recourse to seniors.

• Financial, accounting or audit training

Knowledge and experience

• Substantial experience in a relevant role, demonstrating general knowledge of technical, financial and professional practice • Evidence of personal and

professional development in previous roles

• Processing funding applications for Research Councils,

Charities, etc.

• Knowledge of Agresso, and costing software, along with Experience of Microsoft Office would be of great advantage. • Planning and organising skills. • Experience of research grant

and contract administration. • Knowledge of major research

funding agencies (Research Councils, EU, UK Government departments, etc. Qualifications, certification and training (relevant to role) • HNC/HND (or equivalent qualification) and/or

membership of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).

OR

• Broad vocational experience in a relevant subject/area.

• HNC qualification in Business Studies

The University of Nottingham is focused on embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. As part of this, we welcome a diverse population to join our work force and therefore encourage applicants from all communities, particularly those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

Expectations and behaviours

The University has developed a clear set of core expectations and behaviours that our people should be demonstrating in their work, and as ambassadors of the University’s strategy, vision and values. The following are essential to the role:

Valuing people Is always equitable and fair and works with integrity. Proactively looks for

ways to develop the team and is comfortable providing clarity by explaining the rationale behind decisions.

Taking ownership Is highly self-aware, looking for ways to improve, both taking on board

and offering constructive feedback. Inspires others to take accountability for their own areas.

Forward thinking Driven to question the status quo and explore new ideas, supporting the

team to “lead the way” in terms of know-how and learning.

Professional pride Sets the bar high with quality systems and control measures in place.

Demands high standards of others identifying and addressing any gaps to enhance the overall performance.

Always inclusive Ensures accessibility to the wider community, actively encouraging

inclusion and seeking to involve others. Ensures others always consider the wider context when sharing information making full use of networks and connections.

Key relationships with others

Head of Research Finance

Research Finance Business Partners Assistant Manager -Post Award Role Holder Schools/ faculties Financial Management External Funders