University of Birmingham
Senior Finance Officer - College of Medicine and Health - 107619 - Grade 6
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Senior Finance Officer – CRCTU
College of Medicine and Health University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
Position Details
- Grade: 6
- Contract: Full-time, Fixed Term (up to September 2028)
- Salary (start): £33,002–£35,608, with potential progression to £39,906
- Closing Date: 23 July 2026
About the Role
The Senior Finance Officer will join the Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit (CRCTU), one of the largest clinical trials units in the UK. Part of the School of Medical Sciences, the CRCTU oversees ~200 staff and manages ~100 clinical trials for diseases (primarily cancer and rare conditions) in adults and children. The unit operates within complex funding, contracting, and financial frameworks.
This role sits between the CRCTU Business Support Manager and the Research Project Finance Manager, ensuring robust financial oversight across the unit’s portfolio. The post-holder will:
- Monitor research funding, identify financial risks, and mitigate overspends.
- Prepare high-level financial summaries for management teams.
- Liaise with Trial Team Leaders, external funders, and finance professionals.
- Optimise purchasing processes and support complex procurement.
- Supervise junior finance staff where required.
- Drive ongoing process improvements to enhance efficiency.
The role demands keen financial acumen, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Oversight & Monitoring
- Track income and expenditure across research projects.
- Identify financial risks, propose solutions, and advise on budgetary implications.
- Provide regulatory challenge on budgets/spending while translating complex financial issues for non-experts.
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Reporting & Decision Support
- Compile project, team, and unit-level financial reports with actionable insights.
- Ensure systematic communication of financial performance to CRCTU leadership.
- Support cost-benefit analysis for staff appointments and contract extensions.
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Operational & Operational Support
- Oversee accurate financial record-keeping and transaction processing.
- Coordinate with Collegiate Research Finance Team and RRSD Division for unified reporting.
- Assist with trial closures, issue resolution, and project trackers.
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Internal Collaboration
- Supervise junior staff as needed and mentor in financial processes.
- Champion diversity, equality, and inclusion in financial workflows.
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree-level qualification (or equivalent experience) in finance, accounting, or a related discipline.
- Proven expertise in financial management, projects, or clinical trials logistics.
- Hands-on experience with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Exceljet).
- Strong proficiency in Excel (advanced functions) and PowerPoint.
Technical Skills
- Analytical prowess: Extract insights, resolve discrepancies, and present findings clearly.
- Policy navigation: Understand institutional processes and proactively recommend improvements.
- Technical independence: Troubleshoot complex financial documentation and negotiate with funders.
- Data viability: Validate sources and render information digestible for decision-makers.
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Soft Skills & Competencies
- Interpersonal excellence: Command authority, deliver graceful customer service, and navigate sensitive financial issues with discretion.
- Risk sensitivity: Spot financial red flags in operations and allocate resources accordingly.
- Self-direction: Work autonomously in a fast-changing, cross-disciplinary environment.
- Universities expertise: Grasp the micro- and macro-governance of academic institutions and research funding.
Benefits & People Strategy
The University of Birmingham values staff excellence, offering:
- Sector-leading development via the Birmingham Professional programme.
- Flexible work arrangements, tailored arrangements, and 40 days’ paid leave (incl. volunteering days).
- Subsidised subsidised day nurseries and generous occupational sick pay.
- Diverse campus life with sports facilities, art galleries, and botanical gardens.
- Sustainability commitments and equality accreditations (e.g., Athena SWAN, Disability Confident).
Additional Notes
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) are embedded: Applicants are encouraged to highlight experience in inclusive practices.
- AI use in applications: Apply with original writing to reflect natural communication skills. Over-reliance on generative tools may affect progress.
For further clarification, contact: allyce.pope@bham.ac.uk
Further Information
Discover more here: [Equality, Diversity & Inclusion] | [University Campus Life].
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