Research Finance Manager

The University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Edinburgh is seeking a Research Finance Manager. This full-time role involves managing EU and International funded teams and ensuring compliance with funder conditions. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant or on the path to qualification, with experience in financial administration. The position offers opportunities for career development in university professional services with competitive benefits and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Defined benefit pension scheme

Family-friendly initiatives

Flexible working

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant or actively studying towards qualification.
• Substantial experience managing staff in financial administration.
• Confidence in managing projects in a deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead EU and International funded teams.
• Manage complex portfolios ensuring compliance with funder terms.
• Support colleagues in achieving research goals through finance.

Skills

Management experience

Strong planning skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Passion for finance

Education

Qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

Research Finance Manager

Grade: UE08

Salary: £50,253 to £61,759 per annum

Location: Edinburgh Research Office, Corporate Services Group

Contract: Open-ended (permanent)

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week

The Opportunity

Colleagues in the Edinburgh Research Office work in partnership with researchers to develop and deliver world‑leading research, supporting all stages of the research lifecycle. We are enablers and connectors, networked across the University, providing the best advice to researchers and research leaders in all disciplines.

The Research Grants Team works closely with University research and professional service communities, partners and funders to maximise the research income that academic colleagues can secure. The team delivers financial management and post‑award administration for the University’s 3,500 research grants.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead the European Union and International funded teams. You will manage their busy and complex portfolios to ensure academic and research support colleagues can deliver research in accordance with funder terms and conditions, enabling full recovery of research expenditure. There will also be opportunities to expand into other expert areas of research grants management.

The position is ideal for those looking to further develop a career in University professional services within a department committed to training and staff development.

Apply with

• CV
• Cover letter explaining how you meet the knowledge, skills and experience required
• Motivation for applying to this post

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified accountant or actively studying towards qualification (CCAB, CIMA or equivalent)
• Substantial experience managing staff within a complex financial administration function
• Passion for using finance as an enabler to support colleagues in achieving their goals
• Confidence working in a rapidly changing, deadline‑driven environment – strong planning, communication and organisational skills essential
• Experience of European Commission grant funding and currency projects is desirable

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of its commitment to advance gender equality. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Right to Work

Prior to any employment commencement, evidence of the right to work in the UK must be provided. The University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 3 December 2025.

Benefits

The University offers a competitive reward package and a wide range of staff benefits, including a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefit pension scheme, staff discounts, family‑friendly initiatives, flexible working and more. The position also benefits from hybrid working arrangements with a minimum of team anchor days on campus.