University of Leicester
NCEO Finance and Contracts Officer
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Vacancy ID: 12477 Location: Leicester School/Division: National Centre for Earth Observation Vacancy terms: Full-time or job share, fixed term contract till 31 March 2027 Salary details: Grade 6 - £33,002 to £37,694 per annum, pro-rata if part-time Advert closes midnight on: 04 Oct 2026
About the Role
The National Centre for Earth Observation (NCEO), hosted by the University of Leicester, is a research centre comprising over 100 scientists across 15 partner institutions. With an annual income exceeding £10 million, NCEO manages a diverse portfolio of funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and other external sources. As Finance and Contracts Officer, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing financial operations, ensuring accurate accounting of internal and external income, managing budgets and supporting contractual governance across the Centre’s collaborative partnerships.
You will be responsible for producing financial reports, managing procurement processes, and maintaining asset registers, while liaising with colleagues across the University and NCEO partners. Your work will directly support the Centre Manager and NCEO Director, contributing to strategic decision-making and ensuring financial compliance with funder requirements. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a nationally significant research centre, supporting impactful scientific programmes that address global environmental challenges.
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About You
You will bring a strong foundation in finance, ideally with a relevant qualification such as AAT or equivalent, and significant experience in financial management within a busy environment. Your ability to analyse complex financial data, communicate effectively with both financial and non-financial stakeholders, and provide strategic advice will be essential. Experience with SAP and advanced Excel skills are crucial, as is a working knowledge of financial systems and regulations, including VAT.
You will be a proactive team player with excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities. Experience in higher education and managing multiple budget lines is desirable.
Additional Information
Informal enquiries are welcome and these can be made to Nicola Oldham on njo9@leicester.ac.uk
As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here.
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The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.
As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.
We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.
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