Research and Enterprise Finance Officer

Overview The University of Wolverhampton’s newly created Research and Enterprise Directorate (RED) is driving positive change across the university. We are seeking a dedicated Research and Enterprise Finance Officer to support the sustainability and research ambitions outlined in the University Strategy 2035. Responsibilities Develop, maintain and provide expert financial advice across the project lifecycle. Maintain an excellent knowledge of key funder financial rules, guidance and university financial policies, processes and regulations. Develop and maintain a university costing and pricing guide to support bid preparation. Create costing templates on the Worktribe system and work with Finance colleagues to ensure accurate, coded financial information for reporting. Manage, monitor and report on QR, HEIF, RIF and other institutional investments in partnership with the R&E Institutional Investment Coordinator. Escalate risks and underspend to senior managers and recommend process improvements for greater efficiency. Build strong working relationships across the university, demonstrating emotional intelligence, political awareness, diplomacy and tact. Interpret and communicate complex guidelines to stakeholders and support project, claims, reporting, virements and closure activities. Qualifications High level of emotional intelligence with strong interpersonal skills. Excellent understanding of HE costing methodologies and experience costing and developing budgets for R&E bids. Proven experience working in a project environment, supporting claims, reporting and project closure. Strong problem‑solving skills and a solution‑focused approach to adapt to changing priorities and timelines. Ability to interpret and effectively communicate complex guidelines. Benefits Competitive salary. Standard Life Pension scheme – employer contribution of up to 12% to the university’s defined contribution scheme. Long‑Service Recognition – £200 gift voucher, certificate and afternoon tea with the Vice‑Chancellor for 25 & 40 years of service. Free will‑writing service – complimentary will drafting for employees and their partners. IT & mobile discounts – EE Perk 20% off for family & friends; software discounts. Wellbeing and mental health support – 24/7 access to EAP, free counselling sessions, wellbeing resources and occupational health service. Gym memberships discounts – at the Walsall campus and discounts at WV Active sites in Wolverhampton. Eyecare support – free e‑voucher for eye tests and glasses contributions. Free flu vaccinations for staff. Paycare Health Benefit Plan – covers optical, dental, physiotherapy and personal accident insurance. Chaplaincy & prayer rooms – access to multi‑faith chaplaincy services. Generous annual leave (see table below). Flexible & agile working – flexible and hybrid working arrangements. Free on‑site parking – available across campuses. Cycle benefits scheme – save up to 42% on a bike and accessories via salary sacrifice. Employee discounts – savings on groceries, fashion and entertainment. Travel discounts – up to 10% off holidays through Sodexo Circles. Staff network and inclusion – access support networks and events with LGBTQ+, Global Majority, Disability and Women’s networks. Library access – staff have access to books and resources at onsite libraries. Staff scholarship scheme – funding for part‑time higher education, up to PhD level. Leadership and management development – access to training opportunities to advance your career. We particularly welcome applications from candidates of Black, Asian or Ethnic Minority heritage and from candidates who are disabled. PLEASE NOTE: Applications are scored against the criteria set out in the job description and person specifications attached to this advert. Applications are not assessed against the job advert so please ensure your applications are crafted against the Job Description and Person Specification contained within it. #J-18808-Ljbffr