Research Financial Analysis Lead (12-month FTC)

Ivy Rock Partners; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Ivy Rock Partners is seeking a Research Financial Analysis Lead to join King's College London. This pivotal role involves developing financial models and tools to maximize research impact, enhance forecasting, and support strategic financial planning. The position offers the chance to shape research finance at a prestigious institution, coupled with competitive benefits and a supportive working culture.

Benefits

30 days of annual leave (plus public holidays)

Hybrid and flexible working arrangements

Competitive pension scheme with generous employer contributions

Access to learning, development and career progression opportunities

Inclusive working culture

Qualifications

• At least 5 years post-qualification experience desirable.
• Understanding of research finance and overhead recovery.
• Experience managing financial change projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial modelling and analysis to support research impact.
• Develop tools to integrate research data into financial planning.
• Collaborate with teams to enhance forecasting and reporting.

Skills

Financial modelling

Data integration

Analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

Professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)

Tools

Power BI

Job description

Ivy Rock Partners is proud to be working with King's College London, one of the UK's leading research-intensive universities, as they continue to transform and strengthen their financial strategy and planning function. With research income of £250 million and award values of £300 million annually, King's is looking to better integrate research finance with long-term planning and performance monitoring.

We are recruiting a Research Financial Analysis Lead - a critical new role focused on delivering robust financial modelling, analysis and tools to support King's in maximising research impact and managing cost recovery. You will work across Finance, Research Management, and senior stakeholders to develop data-led insight and improve the visibility of research financial performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on the development of tools and models that integrate research data into financial planning and forecasting
• Build a dynamic, multi-year planning framework based on research grant data and cost recovery assumptions
• Enhance in-year forecasting by linking live data to forward-looking analytics
• Partner with Finance Business Partners, Research Management, and FP&A teams to ensure data consistency and alignment
• Drive process improvement, automation, and reporting enhancements across research finance
• Contribute to TRAC and benchmarking analysis to inform strategy and performance

About You:

• Deep understanding of research finance, including income recognition and overhead recovery
• Strong experience in research grant financial management and reporting frameworks
• Skilled at financial modelling, data integration and building analytic tools (Power BI or similar)
• Knowledge of TRAC, financial planning, and the UK research funding landscape
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience managing financial change projects in complex environments
• A professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) and at least 5 years post-qualification experience is desirable

Why Join King's College London:

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape how research finance supports strategy at one of the UK's most prestigious institutions. In return, King's offers an excellent benefits package including:

• 30 days of annual leave (plus public holidays)
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Competitive pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Access to learning, development and career progression opportunities
• A strong, values-led and inclusive working culture

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Megan Hunter at Ivy Rock Partners.