Accounting Manager for Research and Transfer

Location: Bremen, Germany 

Job Type: Full-Time (On-site or remote)

About Constructor University    

Constructor University (formerly Jacobs University) is a private, state-accredited, English-language university in Bremen. We offer Bachelor, Master, and PhD programs in three schools: School of Science, School of Computer Science and Engineering, and School of Business, Social and Decision Sciences. Our principles are first-class teaching and research, international diversity, and transdisciplinary cooperation. According to the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, Constructor University is among the top 25 percent out of more than 1900 universities worldwide and is ranked as the second most international university in the world. As an international university, we attract highly talented and open-minded students from all over the world. Currently, over 1,600 students from 110 nations live and study on our residential campus.  

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Accounting Manager for Research and Transfer will play a critical role in supporting the financial and accounting elements of externally funded research projects at Constructor University. This position is responsible for drafting, executing, and reporting on budgets, ensuring compliance with national and international funding requirements, and supporting faculty in managing interdisciplinary research grants. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in financial project management, accounting, and budgeting within a research or academic environment. Hybrid office-home work is possible

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial and Organizational Grant Management

• Oversee the financial aspects of grant-funded research projects, including budget preparation, tracking, and reporting.
• Ensure efficient financial management and compliance with university and funding body requirements.
• Coordinate with HR, Finance, and other departments to align grant support services with project goals.
• Prepare for and manage successful grant audits.

2. Budgeting and Reporting

• Develop and implement detailed financial reporting procedures for grant-funded research.
• Prepare accurate and timely budget reports for internal stakeholders and funding agencies.
• Analyse expenditures and make adjustments as necessary to align with project budgets.

3. Policy Compliance and Development

• Ensure adherence to financial, accounting, and audit guidelines for research projects.
• Collaborate with university leadership to develop policies for financial and accounting aspects of research and innovation.
• Maintain compliance with national and international financial regulations in research funding.

Qualifications:

1. Professional Experience

• Financial Project Management: Proven expertise in budgeting, auditing, reporting, and controlling financial aspects of research grants.
• Research Environment: Experience within a research setting, ideally with exposure to interdisciplinary project management.

2. Skills & Competencies

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage complex financial reporting.
• Proficiency in financial software and tools for grant management and reporting.
• Detail-oriented, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

3. Language Proficiency

• Fluency in both German and English.

4. Preferred Qualifications

• External Funding Acquisition: Experience managing funds from national and international agencies (e.g., DFG, BMBF, EU grants).
• Prior experience in the higher education sector or a research institution, with a strong understanding of university research structures, policies, and compliance