Senior Grants & Budgets Finance Specialist (Hybrid)

The University of Sheffield; Rotherham; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 38 days + bank holidays

Hybrid/flexible working

Generous pension scheme

Discounts and rewards for staff

Staff networks and development

Job summary

The University of Sheffield is seeking a proactive Finance Assistant to support the AMRC in managing research grants and commercial projects. You will analyse financial information, advise stakeholders, and ensure compliance with funder requirements while delivering a high standard of customer service.

You will work closely with the Finance team to manage cost centres and project accounts, supporting audits and monthly reporting cycles within a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

• GCSEs including Maths and English.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with customer service skills.
• Ability to analyse, interpret and communicate financial information.
• Ability to work proactively with minimum supervision and meet multiple deadlines.
• Ability to gain trust and respect amongst colleagues.
• Confident with willingness to challenge and be challenged.
• Experience with SAP ERP and related financial processes.
• Strong Excel skills for financial data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Support financial management of research grants, commercial projects and core budgets, ensuring compliance with University policies and funder requirements.
• Provide financial analysis and reviews of externally funded projects to monitor expenditure and compliance with budgets and sponsor rules.
• Monitor project performance, identify financial risks, and propose corrective actions to mitigate issues.
• Collaborate with research and professional services to provide financial advice and guidance.
• Serve as a first point of contact for finance enquiries via the team mailbox and deliver timely, accurate assistance.
• Assist with cost centres, project accounts and supporting records in finance systems.
• Support auditors and funding bodies with required evidence and information.
• Plan workloads to meet sponsor requirements and monthly/annual reporting timetables.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of finance processes and procedures.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade.

Skills

General education

Teamwork

Communication

Financial analysis

Initiative

Trust building

Challenge mindset

SAP experience

Excel skills

Education

GCSEs including Maths & English

Tools

SAP

Job description

The University of Sheffield is seeking a proactive Finance Assistant to support the AMRC in managing research grants and commercial projects. You will analyse financial information, advise stakeholders, and ensure compliance with funder requirements while delivering a high standard of customer service.

You will work closely with the Finance team to manage cost centres and project accounts, supporting audits and monthly reporting cycles within a dynamic research environment.