Project Support Officer (Finance)

About UKCEH 

UKCEH is a leading independent research institute with over 600 scientists studying how the natural world works. We take a connected approach across land, water and air to understand environmental systems and build resilience for people and the planet. 

About This Role 

We're looking for a Project Support Officer (Finance) to join our collaborative team for an 8-month maternity cover opportunity, helping to support the financial management of environmental research that makes a difference to people and the planet. 

You’ll join a friendly and collaborative team of around 20 colleagues based across our four UKCEH sites. Working closely with scientists, project managers and finance professionals, the team provides expert project and financial support that enables successful research delivery. Although geographically dispersed, colleagues work together closely through Microsoft Teams and a culture of openness, inclusion and knowledge sharing. Full training and support will be provided, helping you build confidence and develop your skills within a team that values Excellence, Integrity and Teamwork. 

This role offers the opportunity to become a trusted partner to project managers and researchers across a wide range of environmental programmes. You will support project setup, financial reporting, budget monitoring and project administration, helping teams make informed decisions and maintain accurate financial information throughout the life of their projects. Working with colleagues across multiple disciplines and locations, you will also develop expertise in project finance, research administration and stakeholder engagement. Through your attention to detail, strong organisational skills and ability to communicate financial information clearly, you will help ensure UKCEH projects are managed efficiently, compliantly and successfully. 

Your main responsibilities will include  

• Providing guidance and training to project managers on systems, reports and budgeting tools 

• Supporting project managers with project set-up, review and closure activities in Workday (full training will be given) 

• Assisting project accountants with workflow approvals and budget monitoring 

• Maintaining accurate project information and financial records within Workday 

• Producing expenditure statements to support customer invoicing processes 

• Generating and maintaining project invoicing schedules 

• Supporting revisions to live projects and associated financial records 

• Resolving financial processing and reporting queries from colleagues 

What we’re looking for: 

• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade C/4 or above (including Maths and English) 

• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications with intermediate to advanced Excel skills 

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain financial information clearly 

• Great organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands 

• Good numeracy skills and an understanding of budget control principles 

• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail. 

• A proactive and solution-focused approach to problem-solving. 

What will help you stand out: 

• Previous experience in an academic, scientific or research environment 

• Experience using finance systems (ideally Workday)  

• Experience managing content on SharePoint 

• Experience managing/triaging shared email mailbox.  

How to apply and what happens next 

If you’re interested in this role, we’d love to hear from you. You’ll be directed to our Workday portal where you’ll create an account and upload your CV and your responses to the questions below. Your responses are an important part of our assessment process, so please take the time to complete them thoughtfully: 

• A separate cover letter is not required 

• Use clear, concise examples that demonstrate your personal contribution, relevant skills, qualifications (if applicable) and impact 

• Limit your responses to a maximum of 150 words per question 

• Once submitted, our panel will review your application, and please be assured that we are committed to providing an outcome for all applicants, regardless of the result. 

Q1. Tell us about a time when you had to manage multiple priorities whilst maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. 

Q2. Please provide an example of how you have explained financial, technical or complex information to colleagues with different levels of understanding. 

Q3. Describe your experience of working with budgets, financial data or financial administration processes. 

Working at UKCEH is genuinely rewarding 

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute, where your work will have real impact. Our science helps people and the environment to prosper and informs decisions that benefit society as a whole. We’re proud to be custodians of over 60 years of environmental data, and just as proud of the people behind it. You’ll be supported to develop your career, grow your skills and thrive in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment. 

What we offer 

At UKCEH, we recognise your dedication and provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you both at work and at home. When you join us, you’ll benefit from: 

• Generous annual leave - 27 days (rising to 29 days after 5 years) +3 for Christmas closure 

• 10% employer pension contribution 

• Financial protection through life assurance and income protection 

• Enhanced family-friendly policies 

• Flexible and hybrid working options (depending on your role) 

• Lifestyle perks including dental, gym, retail and cycling discounts 

• A commitment to wellbeing, supported by a range of internal initiatives 

• Employee Assistance Programme and health benefits, including 24/7 support with remote GP access, mental health, physiotherapy and lifestyle services 

• Peer recognition and rewards that celebrate your contribution 

• Salary sacrifice agreement benefits including Electric & Plug-in Hybrid vehicle and Cycle2Work schemes 

• Interest-free annual travel season ticket loans (terms apply) 

Our commitment to inclusion 

At UKCEH, we believe everyone should feel welcome and able to be themselves at work. We warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities. As a Disability Confident employer, we’re happy to support you with any adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process.