Research and Enterprise Finance Officer

Centre for International Development and Training (CIDT); Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Wolverhampton seeks a Research and Enterprise Finance Officer to support budget management and costing development. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of higher education costing methodologies and demonstrated experience managing project financials. This role also requires excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to build effective relationships across all staff levels. Generous benefits including competitive salary, pension, and flexible working arrangements are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salaries

Pension scheme with employer contribution

Employee discounts on groceries and entertainment

Generous annual leave

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experienced in costing and developing budgets for research and enterprise bids.
• Proven experience working on project claims, reporting, and closure.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly and effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop costings and support management of budgets.
• Maintain knowledge of funder financial rules and university policies.
• Manage, monitor, and report on institutional investments.

Skills

Emotional intelligence

Problem-solving skills

Ability to develop strong working relationships

Education

Experience in project environment

Knowledge of HE costing methodologies

Job description

The University of Wolverhampton has a proud heritage of excellence in research, knowledge exchange and enterprise which has had a significant impact regionally and informs our teaching. The University Strategy 2035 sets our ambition to develop high-quality, impactful research and knowledge exchange that transforms lives, and which makes a world-leading contribution in the areas of green innovation and sustainability, health and wellbeing and inclusive communities.

Our newly created Research and Enterprise Directorate (RED) will drive positive change and significant growth across the University of Wolverhampton and through our engagement with external partners and stakeholders. We have a number of newly established critical roles available in the Directorate and we are ready to invite applications from talented, experienced, ambitious, and enthusiastic colleagues who embody the university values and behaviours: Inclusive, Accountable, Ambitious and Resilient.

As Research and Enterprise Finance Officer, you will develop costings and support the management of budgets, providing expert financial advice across the project lifecycle. You will be required to develop and maintain an excellent knowledge of key funder financial rules and guidance as well as University financial policies, processes and regulations.

You will take responsibility for the development and maintenance of a university costing and pricing guide to provide guidance to those preparing bids, engaging with colleagues in Finance, faculties and other professional services.

You will create costing templates on the Worktribe system and work with Finance colleagues to ensure the financial information on the system is complete, accurate and coded correctly for reporting purposes.

You will work with the R&E Institutional Investment Coordinator to manage, monitor and report on QR, HEIF, RIF and other institutional investments, escalating risks and underspend to senior managers, making recommendations to process to increase efficiencies and continuous improvement.

We are looking for someone with a high level of emotional intelligence who has the ability to develop strong working relationships with staff at all levels across the University to ensure quality service delivery, demonstrating political awareness, diplomacy and tact. You will need to demonstrate an excellent understanding of HE costing methodologies and experience costing and developing budgets for R&E bids; proven experience of working in a project environment, including supporting with claims, reporting, virements and closure; excellent problem-solving skills, with a solution focussed approach adapting to changing priorities and timescales with the ability to interpret and effectively communicate complex guidelines.

Staff Benefits

Your Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Standard Life Pension scheme – with employer contribution of up to 12% to the University's defined contribution scheme.
• Long Service Recognition - £200 gift voucher, certificate, and afternoon tea with Vice Chancellor for 25 & 40 years of service.
• Free Will Writing Service - Complimentary will drafting for employees and their partners.
• IT & Mobile Discounts - EE Perk (20% off for family & friends) & software discounts.

Supporting Your Health & Wellbeing

• Wellbeing and Mental Health Support - 24/7 access to EAP service, free counselling sessions, wellbeing support resources and Occupational Health Service.
• Gym memberships discounts – at our Walsall Campus and discounts at WV Active sites in Wolverhampton.
• Eyecare Support - Free eVoucher for eye tests and glasses contribution.
• Flu Vouchers - Free flu vaccinations for staff.
• Paycare Health Benefit Plan - Covers optical, dental, physiotherapy, and personal accident insurance.
• Chaplaincy & Prayer Rooms – Access to multi-faith chaplaincy services.

Valuing You

• Generous Annual Leave (see table below)
• Flexible & Agile Working - Flexible and Hybrid working arrangements.
• Free On-site Parking - available across campuses
• Cycle Benefits Scheme - Save up to 42% on a bike & accessories via salary sacrifice.
• Employee Discounts - Savings on groceries, fashion, and entertainment.
• Travel Discounts - Up to 10% off holidays through Sodexo Circles.

Training and Development

• Staff Network and Inclusion - Access to support networks and events with our LGBTQ+, Global Majority, Disability, and Women's networks.
• Library Access - Staff have access to books and resources at our onsite libraries.
• Staff Scholarship Scheme - Funding for part-time higher education, up to PhD level
• Leadership and Management Development - Access to training opportunities to support you with advancing in your career.

The University of Opportunity for Students and Staff

As part of our commitment to ensure the diversity of our staff body reflects those of the student and local communities we serve, we particularly welcome applications from candidates of Black, Asian, or Ethnic Minority heritage, and candidates who are Disabled (including people who may not define themselves as disabled, but nevertheless encounter challenges).

PLEASE NOTE: Applications are scored against the criteria set out in the job description and person specifications attached to this advert. Applications are not assessed against the job advert so please ensure your applications are crafted against the Job Description and Person Specification contained within it.