Jobs in Structural Biology and Related Fields

Finance Manager

Instruct

Instruct-ERIC, Oxford, United Kingdom

Application deadline: 14 Mar 2025

Instruct-ERIC is a pan-European distributed research infrastructure making high-end technologies and methods in structural biology available to users. 

 

Our aim is to promote innovation in biomedical science. We operate on a non-economic basis within the scope of the ERIC Regulation. 

 

Instruct-ERIC is comprised of 16 Member States: Belgium, Czech Republic, EMBL, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and United Kingdom. 

 

Instruct-ERIC provides open access to cutting-edge integrated structural biology, specifically supporting research that uses integrated approaches and technologies. It operates with the following principles: a) scientific excellence is our priority in the services we provide and the research we support; b) transparency, equality and legality is the cornerstone of our operational model. 

For a more detailed account, the Instruct-ERIC statutes may be consulted. 

 

Job description 

 

Overview of the role 

We are looking for a qualified accountant (or equivalent job experience) or someone in the final stages, with several years’ experience in a financial role and staff management.  Given your strategic and analytical skills, you will not only be comfortable preparing financial reports to present to the governing bodies, but also proactively seek out methods for minimising financial risk to the Organisation.   

You will be a highly motivated self-starter with a flexible attitude and be able to work to tight deadlines with limited notice, be able to provide practical solutions to problems and manage competing activities.   

 

Your responsibilities will include overseeing end to end finance operations, financial planning and analysis, balance sheet reconciliations, optimising procedures and controls, and management of cashflow. 

Key Relationships 

You will work with a diverse group of people, and you will have regular personal contact with the: 

• Instruct Director 
• Instruct Hub Coordinators 
• Project Managers 
• Technical and financial staff and external financial and audit contractors 

 

You will also have broad contact with third parties across Europe and internationally through email, telephone and tele/videoconference. 

 

Role & Responsibilities 

 

• Oversee management of day-to-day financial matters relating to Instruct business (including income, payments and payroll) with the help of the Finance Officer, and alongside the Finance Consultant. 
• Line-manage the Finance Officer.  
• Liaise with external services for audit preparation, banking, and other financial needs as necessary. 
• Track the organisation’s financial status and performance to identify areas for potential improvement and red flags. 
• Work with the Project Managers to plan expenditure on project accounts. 
• Seek out methods of minimising financial risk to the organisation. 
• Review financial data and prepare monthly and annual reports. 
• Develop financial projections and a financial report to be presented to the major Instruct governing body. 
• Work with the Director and Coordinators to strengthen Instruct-ERIC’s reserves, ensuring adequate levels of reserves are maintained. 
• Stay up to date with technological advances and accounting software to be used for financial purposes. 
• Understand and adhere to financial regulations and legislation. 
• Establish and maintain financial policies and procedures for the company. 
• Oversee credit control and contributing to budget and forecast preparation.  
• Manage banking oversight for Instruct-ERIC. 
• Develop cashflow forecasting to enhance Instruct-ERIC’s cash management. 
• Establish, maintain and update high standard financial practices. 
• Oversee the annual financial audit. 
• Oversee grant reporting for EC funded grants 

 

What we offer  

You will join a highly collaborative, diverse and international team based in our Oxford hub offices. You will be required to relocate if you are based overseas.  

Benefits include a generous 30-day annual leave entitlement plus UK bank holidays, opportunities for hybrid working, and an outstanding contributory pension scheme.  

Free car parking and bicycle storage 

Employee assistance programme (Health Assured) 

Wellbeing activities such as group retreat, summer event and other group activities 

Skills & Requirements 

Required 

• Professional qualification in accounting (CIMA, ACA or ACCA) or equivalent experience. 
• 3+ years of experience of financial management at a senior level in an academic environment, preferably dealing with scientific activities  
• Proven record of successfully managing large budgets 
• Advanced Excel skills  
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal  
• Highly organised and strong attention to detail 

 

Desirable 

• Line management experience 
• Experience using Xero and related apps 
• Second European Language 

 

 

Pre-employment screening 

Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work, proof of identity and references.  

How to apply 

If you consider that you meet the selection criteria, please send a supporting statement which explains how you meet the selection criteria for the post, an up-to-date CV to including details of two referees to support@instruct-eric.org. 

 

Please send all documents as PDF files with your name and the document type in the filename. The supporting statement should explain your relevant experience which may have been gained in employment, education, or you may have taken time away from these activities in order to raise a family, care for a dependant, or travel for example.  Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria outlined above and we are happy to consider evidence of transferable skills or experience which you may have gained outside the context of paid employment or education. 

 

All applications must be received by midday on the 14th March 2025. 

 

You will be notified of the progress of your application by e-mail. Please check your spam/junk mail regularly to ensure that you receive all e-mails.