As Research Council funding becomes more competitive, organisations are continuing to diversify their research funding streams in order to develop a more balanced funding portfolio and to spread risk. This requires research managers to become more involved in planning and forecasting to ensure financial sustainability of the project portfolio over time. The aim of this workshop is to provide delegates with a specific and practical understanding of post-award financial administration processes, within the context of managing a project portfolio. Topics covered will include:-

• Post-award finance in context
• Institutional context
• Financial management
• Financial sustainability
• Reporting
• Planning and forecasting

The workshop will give attendees the opportunity to meet and discuss financial topics in respect of research management with colleagues from across the sector. By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Describe the key principles of managing project finance
• Assess how current political, environmental and social factors may influence development of the project portfolio
• Explain what an organisation should consider in order to maintain a balanced funding portfolio
• Understand how to use financial accounts to undertake a risk assessment across the funding portfolio
• Understand the role of the financial administrator within the broader organisational context

Target Audience This is a management level course particularly suitable for those who have between two to five years experience in a post-award research finance role. Prior Knowledge Required Participants will be expected to have basic accounts experience in a university environment and understand financial terms such as ledger, journal and accrual.