Research Finance Officer

Trilateral Research is recruiting for a Research Finance Officer to join our Research Finance team in the Republic of Ireland. 

The successful candidate will support the financial management of a portfolio of research grants, with particular emphasis on the European Commission funded grants and ensuring accurate and timely accounting and cost reporting. This role will be a central contact point within the organisation for researchers, project leads, finance colleagues and other business units.  

Our company and what we do 

At Trilateral Research, we build Responsible AI (RAI) products and delivers services that empower organisations to develop and deploy AI responsibly. Our products and services are grounded in over 15 years of pioneering research and methodological innovation. Our award-winning solutions tackle the most complex, sensitive social issues facing our societies today, including child safeguarding, public health improvement and climate action.  

These tools are complemented by specialist services in AI governance, data protection and cybersecurity that help organisations across the globe leverage advanced technologies responsibly, comply with legal frameworks, and uphold fundamental rights 

Key responsibilities include but not limited to 

• Support the financial management, monitoring and reporting of company coordinated projects. 

• Advise researchers on project financial monitoring and ensure effective communication with partners and project leads.  

• Monitor expenditure versus budget and grant cashflow via regular reporting, to ensure projects are progressing in line with forecast.    

• Review personnel costs based upon timesheets, payroll data and eligible cost conditions.  

• Prepare timely and accurate financial statements to claim all eligible costs for EU research grant projects including financial reconciliation of research project expenses.  

• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of financial elements such as funder terms & conditions.  

• Support project finance administration during proposal submission such as providing guidance on application EC terms and conditions.   

• For funded proposals, ensure the Consortium Agreement is reviewed and fully executed.  

• Establish new grants and support the planning and forecasting of grant-related expenditures.  

• Support the CFO and Audit and Quality Assurance Manager for ad-hoc requests and in line with external or internal audits.  

Requirements

Required education and experience: 

Essential:  

• 3+ years' experience in end-to-end financial administration and management of accounts in a fast-paced professional environment. 

• Accounting qualifications (Level 4 or higher, for example AAT/Accounting and Finance degree). Candidates with demonstrable & relevant work experience will also be considered.   

• Proven experience in financial project coordination, administration, and budget management. 

• Experience or applicable knowledge in research grant accounting.   

Desirable:  

• Experience supporting the research project life cycle.   

• Experience with European Commission funding streams (Horizon2020/Horizon Europe).  

• Experience managing research grants in higher education or similar environments.   

• Experience in remote working environments.  

Professional knowledge and technical skills: 

Essential:  

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft packages such as Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Advanced Excel skills are essential.   

• Significant knowledge of accounting for projects/research grant funding.  

• Advanced skills in