Finance Manager

LGC Ltd is a global life sciences company working with government, academia and industry across sectors including health, agriculture and security. Within LGC, the Grant Management Group supports the NIHR and UK government to fund and manage health research. GMG oversees funding calls, contracts and intellectual property, ensuring projects run efficiently and align with national priorities. The NIHR is the UK's largest health research funder, delivering studies that improve patient outcomes, public wellbeing and economic growth.

Job Description

The postholder will support the Finance Team with the accounting, monitoring and reporting of GMG operational finances and DHSC-funded awards. Responsibilities include preparing financial reports, processing transactions, responding to queries, and maintaining accurate financial records. This development role suits someone with strong attention to detail, analytical ability, and interest in a finance career. It has a strong focus on financial planning and analysis in a project based environment, where clear communication and effective business partnering are key. Experience in a finance or grant-funded setting is beneficial.

Key Responsibilities:

Funding and Budget Management

• Monitor, report and forecast assigned budget areas
• Represent Finance in programme teams, ensuring clear two-way communication
• Review funding applications for financial eligibility and support contract negotiations
• Prepare routine and ad-hoc financial reports to inform decisions
• Maintain payment schedules and financial records, resolving data issues
• Respond promptly to financial queries from internal and external stakeholders
• Support funding committee processes and financial administration
• Maintain and update Excel-based financial models and tools

Team and Process Support

• Support the Senior Finance Manager and oversee elements of the funding portfolio, including guiding three junior staff
• Contribute to team training, goal setting and performance feedback
• Reinforce accurate financial data and consistent processes
• Work collaboratively across Finance and the wider organisation
• Take part in system and process improvement initiatives
• Provide ad-hoc support to finance leadership as required.

Experience and Academic Qualifications:

Required Criteria

• Working towards a recognised accounting qualification (AAT/ACCA/CIMA)
• Strong numerical skills and confidence interpreting financial data
• High attention to detail and accuracy in reporting
• Proficient in MS Office, with strong Excel (pivot tables, lookups, formulas)
• Managed and supported a team

Desired Criteria

• Experience working in a finance environment or financial administration role
• Understanding of grant funding, research finance, or public sector funding frameworks
• Familiarity with budgeting, forecasting, or management reporting processes
• Experience using finance or accounting systems (e.g., ERP, reporting or planning tools)
• Awareness of project based funding and financial controls
• Ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues
• Participation in process improvement or data quality initiatives

Behaviours and Competencies

• Strong accuracy and attention to detail
• Builds positive, professional working relationships
• Organised, managing priorities effectively
• Accountable with strong time management

Compensation, Benefits & Working Arrangements:

Salary: £40,300 to £42,600 per year

Location: Twickenham, London / Hybrid working model

Contract Type: Permanent, full time

Working Hours: 37.5 per week, 7.5 hours per day

Annual Leave: 25 days, plus UK public holidays

Employee Benefits Include:

Annual bonus, subject to company performance

Enhanced Contributory Pension Scheme

Life Insurance Cover

Benenden Healthcare Membership

Training and Development Opportunities

Season Ticket Loan

NB:
We offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, flexible working arrangements. This is an office based, hybrid role with an expectation for all employees to attend our offices 3 to 4 days per week, this may increase, subject to team requirements.

Application

If you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and believe you possess the relevant skills and background, we invite you to apply. Please submit your CV along with a 'Statement of Suitability' that showcases your key skills and experiences in relation to the 'Required Criteria' outlined in the job description. Additionally, share your enthusiasm for working with the NIHR.

Deadline for applications is 5pm on the 17th November, with interviews to commence from the 24th November.

Inclusion and Diversity

LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.