Lead Grants Accountant

The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats. This important research would not be possible without the proportionate use of animals, which are integral to the development of new disease control measures such as vaccines and diagnostics. We have an establishment-wide commitment to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), high standards of animal welfare, a culture of care and openness.

Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.

Organisation position and purpose

The role is to provide support in all areas of Grant Accounts. This will provide a full service to all internal managers, covering budgetary control, monthly reports, costing, and other financial reporting requirements. It will also include the management of the project accounting module providing relevant data for grant holders. The post sits within the finance team and reports to the Senior Grant Accountant.

Main duties and responsibility

Grant Financial Management & Reporting (40%)

• To produce monthly/quarterly project statements in readiness for submission to DEFRA and other funders.
• To produce monthly reconciliation reports (including accruals for income not yet received) for grants compared to budget and reconcile to the main Project database.
• To produce project statements for all external grants and Principal Investigators as required and to the deadline.
• To produce grant income figures for the yearly budget.
• To assist in producing the quarterly future income pipeline.
• To assist in producing the quarterly 

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration (20%)

• To work with external funders in the provision of all data relating to external grants.
• To meet regularly with the Scientists Board to discuss their budget/actual spend, ensuring all actions are completed in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with the Grants, HR, and Payroll teams as part of the Labour Distribution process to ensure appropriate staff are correctly allocated to their respective grants.
• Work with Accounts Receivable to maintain an accurate and up-to-date monthly invoice schedule to ensure that cash flow forecasting is accurate.

Grant Bidding & Audit Support (20%)

• To assist with BBSRC and EU audits, including liaising with auditors, providing relevant documentation, and resolving queries.
• To produce costings as part of the bidding process for new grants and ensure that any changes are captured and actioned accordingly throughout the costings lifecycle prior to the funder grant approval process.
• To assist project managers in bidding for new grants by producing costings.

Grant Monitoring & Systems Maintenance (10%)

• Be responsible for the maintenance and updating of the finance grant monitoring system.
• Project set-up and maintenance in the Access System.
• Raising project-related invoices through the Access System.

Deputisation (10%)

In addition to having the ability to deputise during periods of line manager absence, the role holder will assist the Senior Grant Accountant with:

• Month-end duties such as deferred income.
• Applying internal policy and procedures throughout the Grant Lifecycle.
• Preparing the annual Leveraged Funding Report for the Science Leadership Board.
• Preparing the half-yearly Grant Portfolio Review documents.
   

Essential/Desirable requirements

Essential

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel to an advanced level.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Experience in grant-related post-award functions, including budget and expense analysis, periodic invoicing, financial reporting, labour distribution changes and associated communications with customers, reconciliations, and re-budgeting.
• Performs grant closeout functions required by Grants and Contracts Administration and sponsors including reconciliations, financial status reports, reviews general ledger transactions to ensure accuracy and complete journal entries.
• Undertaking professional accountancy qualifications.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Time management skills.
• To be accurate and be able to work at a detailed level.
• Decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Embrace change and anticipate risk.

Desirable

• Good Verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of Public sector grants for example EU, BBSRC and Defra rules.
• Knowledge of Public sector and charities accounting.
• Knowledge of Access & Focal Point accounting package.
• Part Qualified Accountant in either CIMA, ACCA or ACA.
• Proven track record of providing internal financial reports.
• Experience of dealing with organisational change.
• To work well under pressure.
• To be able to work independently and autonomously.
• To be able to work as part of a team whilst managing their own work.

Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.

What we offer

• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings)
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days
• Buy and sell annual leave
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
• Pirbright gym with subsidised membership
• Pirbright social club
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site)
• Cycle to work
• Subsidised staff restaurant
• Childcare allowance
• Free onsite parking
• Electric Car charging facilities

Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on jobs@pirbright.ac.uk for an update.