Research Finance Planning Manager

Adecco; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Research Finance Planning Manager on a temporary contract based in London. The ideal candidate will have experience in financial forecasting, data analysis, and collaboration with various teams in a higher education environment. Responsibilities include developing detailed financial forecasts, creating impactful reports, and identifying process improvements. This role offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to financial strategy within the academic sector, in a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

Supportive team environment

Opportunities for professional growth

Inclusive recruitment process

Qualifications

• Proven experience in higher education research financial planning.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to work autonomously.
• Excellent communication skills for conveying financial data.

Responsibilities

• Develop financial forecasts for research and enterprise projects.
• Create reports summarising forecast data and risks.
• Implement enhancements to grant management processes.

Skills

Forecasting

Financial planning

Data analysis

Analytical skills

Collaboration skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Research Finance Planning Manager (Temporary Contract)

Location: London/Hybrid – Contract Length: 4 months initially – Day Rate: Competitive via Umbrella Company

Are you ready to make a significant impact in the world of higher education? Our client, a leading global centre for the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, is seeking a dynamic and detail‑oriented Research Finance Planning Manager to join their Finance and Procurement Department on a 4‑month contract with the potential for extension!

About the Role

As the Research Finance Planning Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial landscape of research and enterprise projects. Your expertise in financial planning, forecasting, and data analysis will be vital in supporting the university's strategic goals. This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with diverse teams and drive process improvements in a vibrant academic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaboration: Partner with Post‑Award, Pre‑Award, and Finance teams to gather accurate data on active grants and pipeline projects.
• Forecasting: Develop and maintain detailed financial forecasts for active and upcoming research and enterprise projects, utilising Work Tribe and Unit 4 systems.
• Reporting: Create clear and concise reports summarising forecast data, highlighting potential risks and opportunities for academic departments.
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement enhancements to grant management and financial processes for increased efficiency and accuracy.
• Financial Modelling: Assist in developing bottom‑up research income targets and analyse resource capacity requirements.
• Ad‑hoc Support: Provide data analysis and reporting related to research grants and enterprise projects as needed.

Key Deliverables

• Produce comprehensive forecast reports for FY 2025/26 and 2026/27, supporting current year planning and draft budget preparation.
• Present projections to Academic Heads, clearly explaining methodologies and assumptions.
• Evaluate current research accounting and forecasting processes, offering recommendations for improvements.

What You Bring

• Proven experience in forecasting, financial planning, and data analysis within a higher education research environment.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to work autonomously and collaboratively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced) and familiarity with financial systems.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying financial information to non‑financial stakeholders.
• A bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., Finance/Accounting).

Why Join Us

At our client's organisation, diversity and inclusion are at the core of everything they do. They celebrate differences and recognise that varied perspectives foster innovation and excellence. You will be part of a supportive team that values your contributions and encourages professional growth.

Ready to Apply

If you're a motivated finance professional looking to make a difference in higher education, we want to hear from you! Please submit your CV demonstrating your relevant experience. Evidence of written work may be requested prior to your application being submitted.

We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.

Note: If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, your application has not been successful on this occasion. However, we may keep your details on file for future vacancies.

Join us in shaping the future of academic excellence!

Adecco is a disability‑confident employer. It is important to us that we run an inclusive and accessible recruitment process to support candidates of all backgrounds and all abilities to apply. Adecco is committed to building a supportive environment for you to explore the next steps in your career. If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.