Research Financial Analysis Lead (12-month FTC)

Ivy Rock Partners is proud to be working with King’s College London, one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities, as they continue to transform and strengthen their financial strategy and planning function. With research income of £250 million and award values of £300 million annually, King’s is looking to better integrate research finance with long-term planning and performance monitoring.

We are recruiting a Research Financial Analysis Lead – a critical new role focused on delivering robust financial modelling, analysis and tools to support King’s in maximising research impact and managing cost recovery. You will work across Finance, Research Management, and senior stakeholders to develop data-led insight and improve the visibility of research financial performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on the development of tools and models that integrate research data into financial planning and forecasting
• Build a dynamic, multi-year planning framework based on research grant data and cost recovery assumptions
• Enhance in-year forecasting by linking live data to forward-looking analytics
• Partner with Finance Business Partners, Research Management, and FP&A teams to ensure data consistency and alignment
• Drive process improvement, automation, and reporting enhancements across research finance
• Contribute to TRAC and benchmarking analysis to inform strategy and performance

About You:

• Deep understanding of research finance, including income recognition and overhead recovery
• Strong experience in research grant financial management and reporting frameworks
• Skilled at financial modelling, data integration and building analytic tools (Power BI or similar)
• Knowledge of TRAC, financial planning, and the UK research funding landscape
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience managing financial change projects in complex environments
• A professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) and at least 5 years post-qualification experience is desirable

Why Join King’s College London:

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape how research finance supports strategy at one of the UK’s most prestigious institutions. In return, King’s offers an excellent benefits package including:

• 30 days of annual leave (plus public holidays)
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Competitive pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Access to learning, development and career progression opportunities
• A strong, values-led and inclusive working culture

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Megan Hunter.