Management Accountant

UK Research and Innovation

Salary: £30,895 per annum

Band: UKRI Band C

Contract Type:
Fixed Term (12 months)

Hours:

Full-time (flexible working available)

Location:

Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxon (Hybrid working available; minimum 3 days per week in the office).

Closing Date: 8th March 2026

The role performs a vital function within the team, providing accounting and administrative support to the three RAL Space Management Accountant and the Head of Finance. It involves supporting the team that manages larger projects and handling the financial management of smaller projects. The candidate will work across the RAL space team, interacting with the Project Management Office (PMO) and individual project managers, and will use UKRI, STFC, and RAL Space specific IT systems for accounting, project/bid management, costing, and controls.

RAL Space is a complex department within STFC, managing hundreds of projects ranging from multi‑year, high‑value contracts to smaller, in‑year projects. Funding comes from diverse sources including external commercial and ESA contracts, SLAs, grants, and core STFC funding. In 2024/25, the department generated approximately £31.1 m of income against a resource cost base of £43.4 m, with a net capital cost of £6.6 m.

It operates a significant asset base covering space/satellite testing, manufacturing facilities, and IT assets.

• Review and approve bids and costings of up to £100k, providing advice on bid completion and the bid process with project managers and the PMO.
• Set up and maintain projects in Oracle Project Accounting, including contract extensions and change controls.
• Produce monthly management reports and ad‑hoc reports for project managers detailing project expenditure and income.
• Process monthly revenue adjustments.
• Prepare monthly and ad‑hoc journals to correct project expenditure.
• Liaise with Project Managers and Management Accountants.
• Upload electronic invoices and supporting documentation onto ESA-P (European Space Agency Portal).
• Attend project and team meetings as required and various UKRI Finance Directorate meetings.
• Monitor and take appropriate actions on the GRNI report.
• Raise invoice requests with UKSBS.

Essential

• 5 recognised GCSEs including maths & English or equivalent qualifications (S).
• Studying towards AAT or equivalent qualification (S).

Experience and knowledge

• Proficiency in IT skills, including good knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel (S&I).
• Knowledge of ERP systems (Oracle Fusion, SAP or similar) (S).
• Previous experience working in a finance environment (S).

Skills and abilities

• Good organisational skills, able to manage and prioritise own workload and meet organisational timelines in a timely manner.
• Good numeracy skills.
• Good written and oral communication & presentation skills.
• Strong teamwork ability to work across different areas.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues.
• Able to establish effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Able to resolve problems independently while knowing when to consult or seek advice.

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promoting a culture of continuous learning.

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.

Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable a great work‑life balance.

For further information on our benefits please see:
Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision, ensuring the UK maintains its world‑leading position in research and…