Finance Officer Contract Duration: One month Location: London (2 days on-site weekly) Rate: £224.48 per day/ Inside IR35 A prestigious higher education institute in London is seeking a Research F inance Officer to manage day-to-day transactional financial administration. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with financial regulations, support research grant funding administration, and provide financial data and insights to assist decision-making. This hybrid role offers the opportunity to work both on-site and remotely. Key Responsibilities Manage all financial transactions using UCL’s MyFinance and Axiom systems. Train and advise team members on using financial systems effectively. Generate and prepare financial reports to support decision-making. Collaborate with the finance team to improve university-wide financial systems. Process interdepartmental transfers, expense claims, and student expense accounts. Manage departmental credit cards, ensuring accurate reconciliations. Handle procurement processes, including raising requisitions, purchase orders, and sales invoices. Ensure compliance with UCL regulations for expenses, procurement, and foreign payments. Oversee large-scale purchases, including tender submissions for items over £50,000. Support research grant applications by providing accurate financial data. Monitor grant expenditure and flag potential under- or over-spending. Assist in responding to audits and reconciling research requisition commitments. Administer research student fees and stipends via UCL’s systems. Monitor in-year expenditure to ensure financial targets are met. Provide insights for budget forecasting and resource planning. Manage discretionary accounts and prepare business reports. Act as the first point of contact for financial inquiries from staff, students, and suppliers. Maintain accurate financial records and investigate account discrepancies. Support departmental activities, including travel arrangements and field trip reimbursements. Liaise with UCL’s customs team to ensure compliance with import/export regulations. Supervise the Finance Administrator, set targets, monitor performance, and provide feedback. Requirements Qualifications & Experience: Essential: A-Level qualification (minimum of 2 at grade C or above) or equivalent. 5 GCSEs (including Mathematics and English) at grade C or above or equivalent experience. Proven experience in financial administration, including financial reporting and online systems (e.g., MyFinance). Strong knowledge of Excel for data management and numerical analysis. Ability to work effectively in a busy, team-oriented environment. Desirable: Experience in higher education or research environments. Knowledge of UK customs procedures. Skills & Attributes: Strong oral and written communication skills. High numeracy skills and attention to detail. Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive data. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Adaptability to new systems and processes with a commitment to professional development.