Join to apply for the Research Finance Manager role at The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester, a leading Russell Group institution, is globally recognised for excellence in teaching, research, and social responsibility. Our purpose is to advance education, knowledge and wisdom for the good of society.

About Research Finance (RF)

Research Finance manages around £268 million in annual research income from approximately 2,500 active grants and contracts across three faculties. The team oversees all post-award activities and our mission is to empower Researchers to excel on their groundbreaking work by providing professional guidance and exceptional support.

As part of the Directorate of Finance, we will be recognised for providing excellent customer service and accurate, targeted management information in an innovative, resourceful and collaborative manner. We will strive to embrace continuous improvement and partnership working across the university while embracing the values of the University of Manchester.

Role Overview

We are seeking a motivated, dynamic and organised Research Finance Manager and welcome applications from individuals with expertise in funder compliance and audit processes to join our team. This role is critical in ensuring that research projects are managed in line with funder terms, institutional policies, and external audit requirements. The RFM will support the Senior Research Finance Managers in improving processes and systems to enhance services for research budget holders, coordinate faculty team workloads, support revenue billing, and ensure compliance with funding requirements.

This post is fixed term, initially for up to 24 months.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the subject matter expert on funder financial regulations (UKRI including Innovate UK, EU, NIHR, charities, industry and more broadly).
• Coordinate internal and external audits, ensuring full compliance and timely resolution of findings.
• Develop and maintain robust financial controls and reporting frameworks for research grants.
• Deliver training and guidance to academic and professional services staff on funder compliance and audit readiness.

Candidate Profile

• Experience managing teams during change.
• Strong communication skills with finance and non-finance colleagues.
• A continuous improvement approach and adaptability.
• Excellent organisational and numeracy skills.

Benefits

• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Additional closure over Christmas/New Year.
• Comprehensive health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Season ticket loans, Cycle to Work, Nursery schemes.
• Staff discounts and recognition schemes.

Learn more: University Benefits

For more about our organisation:

About The University of Manchester

Equal Opportunity

As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Flexible working options available; hybrid arrangements may be considered.

How To Apply

Reference the job description and person specification when completing your application’s additional information section, as these will inform the shortlisting process.

Please note: We cannot respond to agency enquiries or accept CVs from recruitment agencies. Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries

Name: Thomas Green

Email: thomas.green-2@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support: https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.