Grants & Finance Manager

Position: Grants & Finance Manager
Location: Oxfordshire

Your new company

This exciting new post has been created in response to the ongoing success in funding applications. You will be responsible for managing several large grants and the funding, including budgeting, forecasting and reporting.

Your new role

Lead financial management across major research programmes, covering both pre‑ and post‑award activity.
Ensure full compliance with University, funder and legislative requirements.
Develop and refine financial processes to improve accuracy, efficiency and best practice.
Support strategic planning through financial modelling and analysis of future funding opportunities.
Advise programme teams on financial structures, set‑up and processes for future funding bids.
Prepare forecasts, budgets, reports and year‑end submissions in collaboration with programme teams.
Manage financial reporting to funders and internal stakeholders.
Oversee invoicing, income tracking and financial arrangements with external partners and colleges.
Administer student funding, including stipends, hardship support and leave‑related payments.
Manage day‑to‑day financial operations, including procurement, expenses and accounts payable/receivable via SAP Concur.
What you'll need to succeed

Degree‑level education or equivalent professional experience.
Extensive financial management experience within the higher education sector.
Strong ability to prepare, manage and monitor complex budgets, forecasts and financial models.
Proficiency with Oracle R12 Financials and advanced Excel skills.
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to senior stakeholders.
Strong organisational skills, able to work accurately under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
Strategic thinker with sound judgement and the ability to make well‑reasoned decisions independently.
Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively within a team environment.
Experience liaising with a wide range of stakeholders, including funders, industry partners and internal departments.
A proactive approach to improving financial processes and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Experience of X5 research costing tool is desirable.

Experience of SAP Concur.
What you'll get in return

Annual salary ranges from £39,000 - £47,000 (based on experience).
Offers 38 day's Annual Leave
Generous pension scheme
Hybrid working: 3 days in the office, 2 from home
Travel discounts include salary sacrifice schemes for bicycles and electric cars and other discounts.
Staff can access a huge range of personal and professional development opportunities.
As part of our well-being offering, staff get free access to Health Assured, a confidential employee assistance programme, available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Offers free use of the companies' social, sporting, and hospitality facilities.
Discounts to the fitness centre, power lifting room, and swimming pool.
The Childcare Services team provides guidance and support on childcare provision, and offers a range of high-quality childcare options.

What you need to do

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)