University of Reading Hiring for Research Accountant Job at Reading, England Full Time

The University of Reading has a strong research culture with research contributing approximately £39m of income per annum. Research is at the heart of everything the University does and the Research Accountant has a critical role in providing financial management support to internal and external stakeholders.

The role will be based within the Finance Planning and Strategy team within the finance function.

The Research Accountant will work closely with colleagues within Finance and Research and Enterprise Services (RES) and will liaise directly with senior staff including the Principal Investigators and the Head of Research Services. The role will report to the Finance Business Partner.

The post holder will provide an effective and efficient support function on all post award accounting matters for a portfolio of Schools. This will include both internal and externally funded grants and contracts. We are looking for candidates who have good experience in project accounting for a wide portfolio of projects, particularly research grants or contracts. An understanding of management accounting would help form the basis of project accounting along with an awareness of accounting rules.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Overall responsibility for the financial management and accounting of all research projects from the acceptance of the award, through to receipt of final monies and closure.
• Liaising with external funding agencies, especially the EU and research councils to ensure all projects are being delivered in accordance with their requirements
• Providing support on all research accounting matters to Principal Investigators and other stakeholders
• Preparing and provide financial statements and reports to Schools, funders and grantors in line with their requirements and the funding agreements
• Ensuring budgets and forecast outcomes are accurate and integrated into the University wide planning process

You will have:

• A good all round accounting knowledge with particular experience of project accounting for a wide portfolio, ideally research grants, contracts or other external funding
• Minimum AAT or other accounting qualification
• Experience of working in a large finance team
• Experience of using financial systems, ideally Agresso
• The ability to interact effectively with all levels of University staff and externally
• The ability to apply rules and regulations to issues
• A high level of numeracy and attention to detail
• Self starter with ability to prioritise a large portfolio of projects (approx. 300)

The postholder will receive 26 days annual leave, plus university closure days and public holidays, and a generous pension provision with the employer contributions over 20%. We will consider candidates who would like to work part time (4 days per week) and we support flexible working.

Interview Date: 20/07/2022

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Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants should ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement under the PBS. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and is a Diversity Champion for Stonewall, the leading LGBT+ rights organisation. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.