Department Finance and Grants Manager

The Institute of Astronomy is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for research and teaching in astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. We are seeking an experienced and collaborative finance professional to join our senior professional services team as Department Finance and Grants Manager.

This is a varied and influential leadership role, combining strategic financial management, oversight of research funding, operational leadership and responsibility for the Institute's facilities. Working closely with the Department Administrator, Head of Department and senior academic colleagues, you will help ensure the Institute is well positioned to deliver its research, teaching and strategic ambitions.

The role offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution to one of the University's leading research institutes, shaping financial strategy, supporting major research programmes and leading services that are central to the Institute's success.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional leadership for departmental financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
• Provide expert financial advice and analysis to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Oversee the management of research grants and contracts throughout their lifecycle, ensuring compliance with funder and University requirements.
• Develop financial models, business cases and resource plans to support departmental priorities, research activity and investment decisions.
• Oversee the development and continuous improvement of financial processes, controls and management information, supporting effective governance and compliance.
• Build effective partnerships with academic and professional services colleagues across the University.
• Lead and develop the finance, grants and facilities team, fostering an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing working environment.
• Oversee procurement and expenditure management, ensuring value for money and sound stewardship of resources.
• Provide strategic oversight of departmental facilities, estates projects and space management.
• Oversee departmental health and safety arrangements and act as a key liaison with central University services.
• Support the implementation of university wide initiatives, including Finance Transformation and Enhanced Financial Transparency developments.
• Deputise for the Department Administrator as required.

About You

You will be educated to degree level (or equivalent experience) and be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent), with substantial experience of financial management within a complex organisation such as higher education or the public sector.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience of leading, managing and developing teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively to non-financial audiences.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to build productive working relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Sound judgement and the ability to provide trusted advice to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Experience of research grants management and an understanding of the research funding environment would be advantageous.