Head of Finance (Research Performance)

The Research Centre of Excellence is responsible for all financial aspects of the University of Bristol’s grant funded world leading research. This includes Pre-Award, Post-Award support and management, as well as compliance and financial analysis.

As the Head of Finance for Research Performance, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy for the university's research activity. Reporting to the Director of Research Finance, you will be responsible for overseeing the financial performance of externally funded research projects.

This strategic position demands strong leadership to manage a dedicated team of finance professionals while collaborating with senior academic and administrative staff to optimise financial outcomes and ensure alignment with the university's broader goals.

This position is to start as soon as possible from February 2025. It is expected that interviews will take place towards the end of November/early December.

What will you be doing?

In this role, you will oversee the financial lifecycle of research funding, from budget planning and submission of grant bids to negotiating awards and driving financial performance improvements. You will partner with the Division of Research, Enterprise and Innovation (DREI) to provide in-depth financial analysis, and offer insights that guide key decision-making.

You will oversee the annual financial planning and budgeting process for research, ensure alignment with the university's financial strategy, and manage strategic initiatives that improve research costings, pricing, and sustainability. Additionally, you will be responsible for developing key financial reports and models to benchmark the university's performance against peer institutions and identify opportunities for further efficiencies or income generation.

You should apply if

• You have a proven track record in business partnering, influencing senior decision-makers, and delivering continuous service improvement.
• You possess strong leadership skills and have successfully managed teams and complex projects.
• You can provide expert financial insights and develop strategic solutions that balance financial and non-financial factors.
• You excel in analysing and presenting complex financial information in an accessible way, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions.
• You are passionate about driving innovation, improving financial controls, and optimising financial performance in a dynamic research environment.
• You thrive in a high-impact role that directly supports cutting-edge research and innovation.
• You are a qualified accountant with extensive post-qualification experience, or you have equivalent experience in a finance leadership role.

Benefits of working for the University include-

• 40 days of annual leave per year including bank holidays
• Automatic entry to an extremely generous pension scheme
• Hybrid working environment
• Inclusive culture, valuing the diversity of thought, beliefs and background

Salary: £58,596 - £65,814 per annum plus £8050 market supplement