University of Birmingham
Senior Finance Officer - College of Medicine and Health - 107619 - Grade 6

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Position Details
College of Medicine and Health
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
Salary: £33,002–£35,608, with potential progression to £39,906 Grade: 6 Contract: Full Time, Fixed Term (up to September 2028) Closing Date: 23rd July 2026
Our Offer to You
The University of Birmingham values diversity and fosters an inclusive workplace. Benefits include:
- Development Programs: Access to the Birmingham Professional programme for career growth.
- Flexible Working: Support for varied work arrangements.
- Benefits Package:
- 40 days paid holiday
- 1 day paid volunteering leave
- Occupational sick pay
- Pension scheme
- Three subsidised nurseries
- Campus Amenities: Sports centre, dining, gallery, museum, and gardens.
- Location: Edgbaston campus with excellent transport links.
Background: Department Overview
The Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit (CRCTU)—a multidisciplinary team of 200, including statisticians, nurses, and administrators—specialises in clinical trials for new cancer treatments in adults and children. The unit manages ~100 trials funded by charities, government, and pharmaceutical companies, each led by a Trial Management Team.
Role Summary
Business Title: Senior Finance Officer Gender: Both Job Number: MCDS-FIN-02778
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
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Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
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Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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Reporting Structure: • Joined reported to: CRCTU Business Support Manager and Research Project Finance Manager (College Research Project Finance Team) • Below line manager: N/A • Equivalent roles in other institutions: Finance Officer/Manager (Clinical Trials)
Purpose: Responsible for financial oversight of CRCTU’s research portfolio, risk mitigation, and efficient transactional processing. Produces financial reports to support leadership decisions and ensures accuracy in financial records.
Main Duties
Monitoring & Reporting
- Monitor research funding (expenditure vs. budget) with regular reviews, identifying risks and engaging Team Leaders proactively.
- Compile financial summaries (project, team, and unit-level).
- Advise on budget impacts based on oversight findings.
Risk & Compliance
- Prioritise high-risk projects to prevent financial losses.
- Review and approve budgets/spend changes. Liaise with investigators and funding bodies to resolve issues.
Operational Support
- Assist with complex procurement activities and transactional tasks.
- Manage financial trackers and project closures.
Decision-Making
- Generate budgets-to-date reports and ensure clarity for senior stakeholders (CRCTU Leadership Team/Committee).
Stakeholder Engagement
- Support junior finance staff and promote technical improvements in processes.
Professional Conduct
- Champion equality and diversity, embedding inclusive practices.
- Maintain discretion with sensitive financial data.


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Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Essential Criteria
- Degree-level education (or equivalent) in finance, accounting, or related fields. If not available, significant practical experience.
- Analytical finance experience with demonstrable project management ability.
- Strong numeracy/literacy skills and clear written reporting.
- Advanced IT proficiency (MS Office Suite, database tools).
- Process improvement mindset—understanding regulation, identifying issues, and implementing changes.
- Excellent communication—advising non-finance stakeholders effectively.
- Professionalism/personality—diplomatic handling of sensitive information.
Organisational Fit
- Flexibility to work in a multi-institutional climate.
- Alignment with the University’s equality values, inclusive practices.
Additional Information
- Further role details.
- Inquiries: Allyce Pope, a.pope@bham.ac.uk.
- University Values & Behaviours Guide.
- Authenticity Note: Applications should reflect your genuine communication style.
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