Head Of Post Award (Finance)

Pure Resourcing Solutions Limited; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head of Post Award (Finance) to oversee a portfolio of externally funded research grants worth over £3 billion. This role requires advanced accounting knowledge and proven leadership skills to manage a high-quality service to enhance the governance environment. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the Research Office, collaborating with various divisions and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. This position is integral to supporting research excellence at the institution.

Qualifications

• Advanced understanding of key accounting principles and financial concepts.
• Proven track record of leading teams and managing staff performance.
• Demonstrable ability to interpret and apply financial regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage oversight of externally funded research grants over £3 billion.
• Ensure efficient operation of the post-award team and research-related services.
• Provide timely reporting to stakeholders and develop governance processes.

Skills

Leadership and team management

Understanding of financial regulations

Ability to drive continuous improvement

Education

Advanced understanding of accounting principles

Job description

Job Overview

The University of Cambridge is one of the world's leading research-intensive academic institutions. The Cambridge Research Office (CRO) provides strategic leadership and operational support for the full range of research services that underpin the University's globally recognised research excellence.

Key Responsibilities

The Head of Post Award (Finance) is responsible for leading and managing the successful oversight of the University's portfolio of externally funded research grants with a total award value of over £3 billion. The role-holder is responsible for the provision of a high-quality professional service to the University, which will ensure the operation of an efficient and effective post‑award team and provide research‑related financial and accounting services. They will also ensure the provision of appropriate and timely reporting to all levels of the research community and other internal stakeholders, and provide proactive leadership in the development of systems and processes to enhance the governance environment and support both internal and external stakeholders. The role will also play a key role in the wider strategy and day‑to‑day operations of the Research Office, working closely with assistant directors of the respective school‑facing teams as part of the Director's Senior Leadership Team. There is also a strong need to work in collaboration with other UAS divisions, such as Finance, Education Services and Human Resources.

Qualifications

You will have an advanced understanding of key accounting principles and financial concepts, and a well‑developed understanding of regulations and procedures across the research funding sector and implications of non‑compliance.

Proven track record of leading teams, managing staff performance, and developing a collaborative, service‑focused culture. Demonstrable ability to interpret and apply financial regulations, audit requirements, and risk management best practices. Track record of driving cultural change and embedding continuous improvement initiatives.

Contact

To discuss this role in more detail please contact Mark Wishart at Pure on (phone number removed)