Research Finance Officer

Trilateral Research; London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research company is seeking a Research Finance Officer to handle financial management for various research projects, particularly in relation to European Commission grants. The role involves monitoring budgets, ensuring compliance, and preparing financial reports, requiring strong administrative skills and accounting qualifications.

Benefits

Competitive salary & enhanced pension

Enhanced holiday entitlement

Flexible hours & remote-first working

Continuous career development

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience in financial administration.
• Experience with EC-funded research grants.
• Strong organizational and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage financial reporting and compliance.
• Monitor budgets and project cashflows.
• Prepare financial statements and claims for reimbursements.

Skills

Financial management

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Education

Level 4 accounting qualification

Degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Research Finance Officer Location: UK (Remote in the UK) | Type: Permanent | Start: ASAP | Hours: Full-time | Salary: Commensurate with experience

We are seeking aResearch Finance Officer to support the financial management of our growing portfolio of research projects, with a focus on European Commission (EC) funded grants. You will be a vital link between researchers, project leads, finance teams, and partners - ensuring accurate, timely accounting and cost reporting.

Who we are At Trilateral Research, we deliver award-winning AI solutions and services to tackle society’s toughest challenges, from child safeguarding to climate action. We combine cutting-edge tech with over 15 years of pioneering research to help organisations innovate responsibly, stay compliant, and protect fundamental rights.

What you will do

Key responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Manage financial reporting and compliance for company coordinated projects and EC-funded research grants

• Monitor and report on budgets, expenditures, and project cashflows

• Review personnel costs (payroll, timesheets) against funder criteria

• Prepare financial statements and claims for grant reimbursements

• Guide and advise researchers on project financial monitoring and EC funding rules and proposal submissions

• Ensure grant setup, forecasting, and contracts (e.g., Consortium Agreements) are in place and fully executed

• Support audits and ad-hoc finance requests from senior leadership

What you bring

Required education and experience:

Essential:

• 3+ years' experience in end-to-end financial administration and management of accounts in a fast-paced professional environment

• Accounting qualifications (Level 4 or higher, e.g. AAT/Accounting or Finance degree) or demonstrable/relevant work experience will also be considered

• Proven experience in financial project coordination, administration, and budget management

• Experience or applicable knowledge in research grant accounting

Desirable:

• Experience supporting the research project life cycle

• Experience with European Commission funding streams (Horizon2020/Horizon Europe)

• Experience managing research grants in higher education or similar environments

• Experience in remote working environments

Professional knowledge and technical skills:

Essential:

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft packages such as Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Advanced Excel skills are essential

• Significant knowledge of accounting for projects or research grant funding

• Advanced skills in stakeholder management with internal and external partners

• Ability to collate information from diverse sources and compile reports

Interpersonal skills:

Essential:

• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills with an ability to communicate complex financial information to non-specialist audiences

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively

• Good time management skills

• Negotiation skills with the ability to manage expectations with stakeholders

• Flexibility and adaptability to change direction when required

• Ability to work with confidential material maintaining high standards of discretion

• Detail-orientated

What we offer

• Competitive salary & enhanced pension (based on service)

• Enhanced holiday entitlement increasing with tenure

• Company sick pay & family-friendly leave

• Flexible hours & remote-first working

• Continuous career development

How to apply

Application requirements: Please submit your CV and complete all application questions listed, to have your application considered. References will be required prior to appointment and candidates must be eligible to work in the country the role requires.

Application deadline: Monday the 16th of June 2025 at 5pm (UK)

Timelines: Our hiring team will be continuously reviewing applications as they are submitted. We receive a high volume of applications, and we will only be able to progress applicants that meet all the essential requirements listed in this description.

Key information

We are an equal opportunities employer and positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of their age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity.

At Trilateral Research, we value privacy and data protection rights. We have a longstanding data protection culture and promote robust ethical standards in data management and research ethics. Please read ourRecruitment Privacy Noticein relation to our recruitment activities before submitting your application to work with us.