Research Finance Business Partner
| Posting date: | 16 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £35608-37694 per annum |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 02 March 2026 |
| Location: | Newcastle, NE17RU |
| Company: | Newcastle University |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 29081-43976401 |
Summary
We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.
The Role
We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and motived Finance Business Partner to join our dedicated Post Award Research Finance team, covering the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) and the Faculty of Medical Science (FMS). You will provide a high-quality financial management service to our academic community and be responsible for the post-award financial activities of externally funded research projects.
With line management responsibility for research project focused Finance Officers, you will ensure the delivery of an excellent research finance service to the Faculty, Schools, Institutes, and individual researchers, with a focus on supporting decision-making and assisting in the delivery of strategic and operational activities. Strong communication, staff management and relationship-building skills are essential.
As part of the Post Award Research Finance Team you will lead, oversee and provide co-ordination, including technical and development expertise, in the financial management of projects (Research) across the Faculties of Science, Agriculture & Engineering (SAgE) and Medical Sciences.
You will work closely with budget holders/Principal Investigators (PIs) to undertake the costing of project amendments following recognised principles and guidelines and will support the financial administration of research grant applications, post award financial management and provide advice on external funder regulations.
This is a full time, fixed term post available for 12 months. This role is open to colleagues wishing to take a secondment and you should discuss this with your current manager before submitting your application.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Wayne Younger (Wayne.Younger@newcastle.ac.uk).
To apply please upload CV and covering letter evidencing how your skills and experience aligns to the person specification as outlined within the job description.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead and direct one of the faculty Research Finance subgroups responsible for post award finance within the Research Finance Team and costing project amendments.
- Develop and implement effective project costing and post award finance processes to meet the requirements of the Head and Deputy Head of Faculty Finance and the Faculty PVC.
- Support an effective research budget and forecast review process to meet the requirements of Head and Deputy Head of Faculty Finance and the Faculty PVCs.
- In liaison with project leads, undertake the costing of project amendments following recognised principles and guidelines and using appropriate systems e.g. NUProjects.
- Work collaboratively with Research Managers to deliver a flexible, proactive and seamless Research Support network for the academic community.
- Provide advice and guidance related to the application of project costing and post award finance across the Faculty and ensure compliance with agreed University / Faculty standards.
- Implement an effective post award finance process at the School level to meet the requirements of the Research Finance lead and the Faculty PVCs.
- Assisting the Research Finance lead contribute to the continued development of financial reports, specifically to support accurate financial monitoring of projects.
- Ensure effective control and adherence to both University and external sponsor’s regulations, policies and procedures is maintained within the Faculties.
- Widen the general understanding of financial issues related to projects by the preparation and delivery of courses / workshops.
- Working with other key members of Finance e.g. Head of Contract Financial Management and Management Accountant (costing) to ensure adherence to regulations and to share best practice.
- To undertake any other duties of a relevant nature as required by the Research Finance lead.
The Person (Essential)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Experience of project or research accounting including project costing, budget management and financial reporting.
- Experience of leading, supervising and coordinating the work of a team, including allocating workload and developing staff.
- Significant experience of providing financial advice and support to non-financial stakeholders, including explaining complex information clearly.
- Experience of developing or improving financial processes and systems to enhance efficiency and control.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and produce accurate management information.
- Highly developed IT and systems skills, including Excel and enterprise finance systems (e.g. SAP or similar).
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a complex, fast-paced environment.
Attributes and Behaviours
- Demonstrates the ability to lead, motivate, and develop a finance sub team, fostering collaboration and maintaining high performance standards.
- Applies strong analytical skills to manage complex financial data, ensuring accuracy and compliance in project costing and reporting.
- Anticipates challenges, identifies opportunities for process improvement, and implements practical, effective solutions.
- Clearly explains complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders, adapting style and approach to suit different audiences.
- Manages multiple priorities, meets deadlines, and maintains effective control over financial processes and documentation.
- Works effectively across departments, building constructive partnerships with academics, finance colleagues, and external sponsors.
- Ensures adherence to university and sponsor regulations while actively contributing to the enhancement of financial systems, policies, and training.
Qualifications (Essential)
- Degree or equivalent level qualification in relevant field OR significant relevant experience in a similar role.
The Role
We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and motived Finance Business Partner to join our dedicated Post Award Research Finance team, covering the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) and the Faculty of Medical Science (FMS). You will provide a high-quality financial management service to our academic community and be responsible for the post-award financial activities of externally funded research projects.
With line management responsibility for research project focused Finance Officers, you will ensure the delivery of an excellent research finance service to the Faculty, Schools, Institutes, and individual researchers, with a focus on supporting decision-making and assisting in the delivery of strategic and operational activities. Strong communication, staff management and relationship-building skills are essential.
As part of the Post Award Research Finance Team you will lead, oversee and provide co-ordination, including technical and development expertise, in the financial management of projects (Research) across the Faculties of Science, Agriculture & Engineering (SAgE) and Medical Sciences.
You will work closely with budget holders/Principal Investigators (PIs) to undertake the costing of project amendments following recognised principles and guidelines and will support the financial administration of research grant applications, post award financial management and provide advice on external funder regulations.
This is a full time, fixed term post available for 12 months. This role is open to colleagues wishing to take a secondment and you should discuss this with your current manager before submitting your application.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Wayne Younger (Wayne.Younger@newcastle.ac.uk).
To apply please upload CV and covering letter evidencing how your skills and experience aligns to the person specification as outlined within the job description.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead and direct one of the faculty Research Finance subgroups responsible for post award finance within the Research Finance Team and costing project amendments.
- Develop and implement effective project costing and post award finance processes to meet the requirements of the Head and Deputy Head of Faculty Finance and the Faculty PVC.
- Support an effective research budget and forecast review process to meet the requirements of Head and Deputy Head of Faculty Finance and the Faculty PVCs.
- In liaison with project leads, undertake the costing of project amendments following recognised principles and guidelines and using appropriate systems e.g. NUProjects.
- Work collaboratively with Research Managers to deliver a flexible, proactive and seamless Research Support network for the academic community.
- Provide advice and guidance related to the application of project costing and post award finance across the Faculty and ensure compliance with agreed University / Faculty standards.
- Implement an effective post award finance process at the School level to meet the requirements of the Research Finance lead and the Faculty PVCs.
- Assisting the Research Finance lead contribute to the continued development of financial reports, specifically to support accurate financial monitoring of projects.
- Ensure effective control and adherence to both University and external sponsor’s regulations, policies and procedures is maintained within the Faculties.
- Widen the general understanding of financial issues related to projects by the preparation and delivery of courses / workshops.
- Working with other key members of Finance e.g. Head of Contract Financial Management and Management Accountant (costing) to ensure adherence to regulations and to share best practice.
- To undertake any other duties of a relevant nature as required by the Research Finance lead.
The Person (Essential)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Experience of project or research accounting including project costing, budget management and financial reporting.
- Experience of leading, supervising and coordinating the work of a team, including allocating workload and developing staff.
- Significant experience of providing financial advice and support to non-financial stakeholders, including explaining complex information clearly.
- Experience of developing or improving financial processes and systems to enhance efficiency and control.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and produce accurate management information.
- Highly developed IT and systems skills, including Excel and enterprise finance systems (e.g. SAP or similar).
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a complex, fast-paced environment.
Attributes and Behaviours
- Demonstrates the ability to lead, motivate, and develop a finance sub team, fostering collaboration and maintaining high performance standards.
- Applies strong analytical skills to manage complex financial data, ensuring accuracy and compliance in project costing and reporting.
- Anticipates challenges, identifies opportunities for process improvement, and implements practical, effective solutions.
- Clearly explains complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders, adapting style and approach to suit different audiences.
- Manages multiple priorities, meets deadlines, and maintains effective control over financial processes and documentation.
- Works effectively across departments, building constructive partnerships with academics, finance colleagues, and external sponsors.
- Ensures adherence to university and sponsor regulations while actively contributing to the enhancement of financial systems, policies, and training.
Qualifications (Essential)
- Degree or equivalent level qualification in relevant field OR significant relevant experience in a similar role.