Rutherford Cross is pleased to be given the responsibility of bringing the key financial appointment of Head of Research Finance to the market for the University of Dundee. The University of Dundee is one of the UK’s leading Universities and holds social purpose at the core of what they do, building on its long-standing values. The head of the University’s Research Finance Services team is responsible for all aspects of the University’s research finance activity, which includes pre and post award activities for externally funded projects, the costing and submission of applications and the claiming and accounting for the awarded funds. The role‑holder is responsible for the provision of a high quality professional service to the University, which will develop and maintain research policy; protect the completeness & accuracy of research data; ensure the operation of efficient & effective award management processes; and provide research related financial and accounting services. They will also ensure the provision of appropriate and timely reporting to all levels of the research community and provide proactive leadership in the development of systems and processes to enhance the governance environment and support both internal and external stakeholders.
Principal duties:
* Responsible for all research finance related matters, both pre and post award, to ensure the delivery of an optimised specialist service to the academic research community in support of their submission of applications for research grant and related funding
* Responsible for providing leadership and setting strategic direction for the Research Finance Services team, leading on all strategic decision-making for the Research Finance Services team, determining overall administrative priorities and deciding on changes to staffing, structures and procedures
* A member of and the Finance & Procurement representative on the University’s research committees, including ‘Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee’. These committees take primary responsibility within the University on all research related matters; strategic direction, policy decisions, reporting and other operational issues
* Responsible for the provision of direct support and guidance for large‑scale University‑led research grant applications, working closely with the academic lead, partner institutions and the funding body to advise on the content, funding model and regulatory compliance required for the submission
* Responsible for proactively encouraging research activity within the University by ensuring that all staff are aware of the services provided by Research Finance Services and know to whom they should go for support; communicating policies and procedures designed to support good practice in research through delivery of briefings and presentations
* Responsible for the review and communication of funder policy developments to the academic community. This includes the preparation of briefing papers for the Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee
* Responsible for final sign‑off of non‑commercial grant applications on behalf of the University, following internal approval
* Responsible for identifying and implementing strategic improvements for the grants management process, providing novel approaches to achieve service enhancements utilising available systems
* Responsible for provision of research data for internal and external reporting
* Responsible for ensuring research accounting complies with current accounting standards and that processes and procedures in Research Finance Services comply with funder terms and conditions
Qualifications, Knowledge and Competencies:
* An accountancy qualification to include: CCAB or equivalent i.e. ACCA; CIPFA; ICAEW; ICAI or ICAS, or CIMA, or a European or international equivalent qualification
* An understanding of key accounting principles and financial concepts
* Well‑developed understanding of regulations and procedures across the grant funding sector and implications of non‑compliance
* Extensive experience of the HEI research grants processes and systems
* Sound understanding of HE sector environment (local, national and international)
* Ability to define priorities and work flexibly and effectively under pressure to meet demanding and sometimes conflicting deadlines
* Excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills, supported by competent IT skills
* Excellent interpersonal, people management, negotiating, motivational, networking and influencing skills
* Good problem‑solving skills, with the ability to apply technical knowledge in a practical business environment
* Ability to establish and maintain a network of personal working relationships with senior decision makers within and across universities, across regional and national government agencies and with national and international funding agencies
* Extensive managerial experience at a senior level, responsible for multiple functions of an organisation’s operations
* Excellent understanding of the governance and internal control environment required for research finance within a large complex organisation
* A good understanding of fundamental accounting principles and concepts
Our client is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
Please contact Chris Sole for more information; chrissole@rutherfordcross.com. For more information on the role please see the position profile. Head of Research Finance.
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