About the Role
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) is a leader in clinical research and innovation. We are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Principal Accountant to join our Research & Development (R&D) Finance Team.
This is a key role supporting the delivery of robust financial management across a large and complex research portfolio. You will work closely with clinical and non-clinical colleagues, providing financial insight, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, and supporting decision-making to enable high-quality research delivery.
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Key Responsibilities
•    Provide comprehensive financial management support to R&D programmes, projects, and research units
•    Support budget setting, monitoring, forecasting, and year-end processes for research activity
•    Analyse financial performance and advise on corrective action to manage variances. 
•    Assist in costing, pricing, and financial planning for research studies and grant applications
•    Ensure compliance with Trust financial regulations and external funding conditions. 
•    Support the development of systems and processes to track research income and expenditure. 
•    Work collaboratively with UHS, University of Southampton, and external partners including funders and auditors. 
•    Line manage R&D Finance Assistants, including allocation of work, development, and performance management. 
•    Provide financial guidance and training to non-finance staff to improve financial awareness

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