The Institute of Astronomy is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for research and teaching in astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology. We are seeking an experienced and collaborative finance professional to join our senior professional services team as Department Finance and Grants Manager.
This is a varied and influential leadership role, combining strategic financial management, oversight of research funding, operational leadership and responsibility for the Institute's facilities. Working closely with the Department Administrator, Head of Department and senior academic colleagues, you will help ensure the Institute is well positioned to deliver its research, teaching and strategic ambitions.
The role offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution to one of the University's leading research institutes, shaping financial strategy, supporting major research programmes and leading services that are central to the Institute's success.
Key Responsibilities
Provide professional leadership for departmental financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
Provide expert financial advice and analysis to support strategic and operational decision-making.
Oversee the management of research grants and contracts throughout their lifecycle, ensuring compliance with funder and University requirements.
Develop financial models, business cases and resource plans to support departmental priorities, research activity and investment decisions.
Oversee the development and continuous improvement of financial processes, controls and management information, supporting effective governance and compliance.
Build effective partnerships with academic and professional services colleagues across the University.
Lead and develop the finance, grants and facilities team, fostering an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing working environment.
Oversee procurement and expenditure management, ensuring value for money and sound stewardship of resources.
Provide strategic oversight of departmental facilities, estates projects and space management.
Oversee departmental health and safety arrangements and act as a key liaison with central University services.
Support the implementation of university wide initiatives, including Finance Transformation and Enhanced Financial Transparency developments.
Deputise for the Department Administrator as required.
About You
You will be educated to degree level (or equivalent experience) and be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent), with substantial experience of financial management within a complex organisation such as higher education or the public sector.
You will be able to demonstrate:
Experience of leading, managing and developing teams.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively to non-financial audiences.
A collaborative approach and the ability to build productive working relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
Sound judgement and the ability to provide trusted advice to support strategic and operational decision-making.
Experience of research grants management and an understanding of the research funding environment would be advantageous.
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the essential criteria and can demonstrate relevant knowledge, skills, and experience outlined in the person specification. We recognise that expertise may be gained through a variety of career pathways and are committed to supporting ongoing professional development.
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Why Join Us?
The University of Cambridge offers a rewarding and supportive working environment, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development.
Benefits include:
Generous annual leave: 41 days per year, including bank holidays (pro rata for part-time colleagues).
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements, where operationally appropriate to support work-life balance.
Family-friendly policies, including enhanced parental leave and childcare support.
Career development opportunities, including access to training and development programmes.
Pension scheme: A competitive pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
Health and wellbeing services, including occupational health support and access to University sports facilities.
Travel and lifestyle benefits, including Cycle to Work and retail employee discounts.
Working at Cambridge means joining a diverse, inclusive and collaborative community, where your contribution will directly support world-leading research and innovation.
Further Information
We welcome informal enquiries about the role, including discussions about secondment arrangements.
Informal enquiries: Please contact Angela Macharia at [email protected]
For application queries: [email protected]
Closing Date: 27th July 2026
We encourage early applications as they will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The vacancy may close before the advertised deadline if a sufficient number of suitable applications are received.
Provisional Interview Date: 6 - 7 August 2026
Intended Start Date: September 2026
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic disclosure (criminal records check) check and a security check.
Please quote reference LG50102 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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