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Our client is looking to recruit a temporary Finance Administrator, to join a small, friendly team at their research centre. Their research work focusses on topics including science, technology and engineering.

The Finance Administrator is responsible for the smooth running of the finance function and overall administration within the centre. This includes the development of financial procedures, financial planning and budgeting, training and management of finance and administrative staff

The role-holder will be AAT qualified and be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of finance/accounting principles. You will have the ability to understand, interpret, design and implement administrative processes and have experience of grant application processes and the accompanying costing tools. You will need to be able to demonstrate excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to interact with people at all levels in both academic and industrial spheres. You must also demonstrate excellent IT skills including MS Office and grant application software.

This is a full-time temporary role, to start as soon as possible for 3 months with the possibility of extension. The role will be at the Centre’s office, based West of Cambridge City (good transport links and parking available at the nearby P&R site).

Key Responsibilities (full spec available upon request)

• Contribute and lead meetings relating to financial matters and planning within the centre
• Review proposals for all new research projects. Oversee the preparation and set up of the project budget on internal finance systems, following specially agreed procedures
• Ensure compliance with internal regulations and external funding criteria, provide appropriate and timely information to the parties concerned and maintain clear and accurate records of the project administration
• Translate budgets into the appropriate format for software (EMDESK, ECAS, JeS, eGap, or others), used by a variety of national and international funding agencies and ensure all the accounting rules are properly followed
• Closely monitor grant accounts, project expenditure, note any liability for VAT and review the monthly reports financial system
• Monitor income and expenditure against targets and forecast future financial needs, implement cost savings and maximise income, implement and manage financial procedures and new initiatives
• Take responsibility for all purchasing of equipment, consumables and miscellaneous items within the centre, using the on-line purchasing system and keep up-to-date records of all transactions.
• Monitor and check integrity of data on the internal financial system, review monthly financial summaries, reconcile accounts and take corrective action where required. Analyse financial data, prepare papers and reports on finance matters and attend senior management meetings to provide budgetary and planning advice on finance related matters
• Keep a rolling income/expenditure plan as income increases and estimated expenditure becomes known. Negotiate and reclaim recharges from external parties, determine whether expenditure complies with financial regulations and accounting procedures
• Maintain the centre websites, regularly reviewing their content and arranging for the input of any necessary amendments
• Monitor financial documents and procedures, from pre to post award, until grant end, to ensure that all concur with current internal and external regulations and make changes to internal workflows and practices in collaboration with others if required
• Instruct departmental staff on internal financial procedures e.g., purchasing and procurement, VAT, income, expenses etc. Prepare for and meet with auditors for internal and external audits
• Deliver a range of day-to-day administrative support duties, including, but not limited to, purchasing and travel arrangements, collection and delivery of equipment/consumables, tea/coffee, table arrangements, AV/IT etc.

Person Specification

Experience

• Ability to understand, interpret, design and implement administrative processes, with experience of administrative and financial systems
• Experience of grant applications including the use a variety of grant costing tools (e.g., X5, EMDESK, JeS, ECAS, etc.)

Specialist Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of finance/accounting involving a critical understanding of relevant theory and/or principles
• Ability to use HTML
• Ability to use excel, to produce pivot tables, and make calculations involving large amounts of data
• Ability to create and use databases
• Ability to use Microsoft word, Power point, and Outlook or equivalent systems

Education and Qualifications

• Education to at least A level standard, plus GCSE or equivalent Maths and English.
• Financial/Accounting AAT (Professional Diploma)

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work as part of a team and to provide clear and decisive leadership when necessary
• Ability to deal sympathetically and effectively with a wide range of people at all levels in both academic and industrial spheres

Additional Requirements

• Ability to exercise judgement regarding confidentiality, time-management and workload management
• Ability to manage the administration and financial oversight of research projects
• Ability to work independently and consistently, despite frequent interruption

To Apply
Please send a covering letter together with a copy of your CV in MS Word