Assistant Project Accountant

As an Assistant Project Accountant within the Research Finance and Performance team you will assist in ensuring accurate accounting processes are applied whilst reviewing externally funded projects to ensure income is maximised on a timely basis and expenditure is fully supported.

You will support the financial management and governance of research and commercial projects, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and institutional policies. You will be responsible for monitoring project finances, producing financial reports, analysing variances, and highlighting risks and opportunities related to externally funded projects.

Your role will involve the preparation and review of grant claims and invoices, ensuring expenditure eligibility, accurate documentation, and timely income recovery. A key focus of this role is to maintain strong financial controls through internal and external audit processes, managing audit evidence, and ensuring compliance with funder regulations.

You will be a part qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA) or hold an equivalent qualification. You will have a strong financial and accounting background with experience in budgeting and forecast preparation, management accounting and project costing. You will also hold experience of financial analysis and reporting on financial costings.

Previous experience of working within the Higher Education sector and/or in research/public funding would be advantageous.

You will have strong stakeholder skills with the experience of being a collaborative team player and a positive attitude to investigating and resolving complex issues beyond routine tasks.

You will be proficient in numeracy and ICT, particularly with spreadsheets. You will understand and manage a portfolio of projects independently, prioritising tasks and meeting dynamic internal and external deadlines. A commitment to delivering results and driving continuous improvement.

Benefits include: Excellent Employers Pension Contribution, 30 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays, New Holiday Purchase Scheme up to 5 additional days, Life Assurance 4 x Salary, BUPA Cash Plan, 50% off Tuition Fees for staff dependants, CU Reward Scheme – Discounts across a range of High Street/Online Retailers, Cycle To Work scheme.