Rutherford Cross is delighted to be working with a client who is looking to add a Research Business Partner to their existing team. This role is well suited to a part qualified or qualified by experience accountant with strong analytical skills. An ideal candidate would have experience in producing and presenting high quality financial information to influence senior management’s decision making.

The post holder will proactively work with project managers / budget holders to resolve any concerns or difficulties with their financial performance and will assist in the preparation of the annual staff budget. The scope of this role is to provide support, financial expertise and advice across the Group.

Responsibility Areas:

• Manage, collate and review financial and administrative documentation for claims, financial reports and audit files so funds can be reclaimed
• Process claims and invoices as per contract requirements for projects, working to tight deadlines, using various external portals
• Support Business Partners by providing advice and guidance on funder and project finance management and contract queries
• Work with PIs and PMs to assist in the preparation and submission of Grant Proposals
• Liaise with senior staff to advise on funder requirements and to ensure compliance with funding rules and full utilisation of budgets. Give guidance to new staff on project requirements
• Fully engage with fund audits ensuring compliance, accurate information and on time delivery to the customer and responding to contract queries from Compliance Manager
• Assist in the development, update and re-writing of SOPs in the Research area as well as internal control procedures and policies
• Assist in the updating of data on NetSuite for research projects and maintaining 100% audit trails (research)
• Monitor the Contracts mailbox and prioritise workflows with line manager. Maintain the Business Partnering helpdesk
• Oversee timesheet allocation for projects ensuring accuracy and timeous completion by managing timesheet analyst
• Provide project cost analysis of products and services to Business Partners (PMs / PIs) to ensure cost effective profitable projects

The successful candidate will have the following knowledge, skills and experience:

• Experience and training in Finance Business Partnering
• Experience of working in a compliancy, contract management or academic administration environment
• Proactive and able to plan work activities independently and able to complete all tasks accurately and timely to meet both team and project timelines
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proven communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent IT Skills – Microsoft Excel, Outlook, financial accounting packages
• Provide sound financial judgement over time based on work experience

To find out more on remuneration and the role, please contact the Rutherford Cross advisor Alastair Deas by emailing [email protected] for a confidential discussion.