UEA School of Computing Sciences (SCI) Finance Office

The University of East Anglia’s (UEA) School of Computing Sciences (SCI) Finance Office plays a crucial role in managing the financial affairs of the school. It’s the central hub for all financial transactions, budget management, and financial reporting within the SCI department.

The primary responsibility of the SCI Finance Office is to ensure the school operates within its allocated budget. This involves meticulously tracking income and expenditure, providing budget reports to the Head of School and other senior management, and offering financial advice to staff on spending decisions. They work closely with project leaders and researchers to manage grant funding, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and proper allocation of resources.

Key functions of the SCI Finance Office include:

• Budget Management: Developing and monitoring the annual budget, providing regular updates to the Head of School, and advising on resource allocation.
• Financial Transactions: Processing purchase orders, invoices, expense claims, and other financial documents. This includes ensuring that all transactions are properly authorized and comply with university policies.
• Grant Management: Administering research grants, including setting up project codes, monitoring expenditure against budget, and preparing financial reports for funding bodies.
• Financial Reporting: Producing accurate and timely financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, including the University’s Finance Department.
• Compliance: Ensuring adherence to university financial regulations, tax laws, and other relevant legislation. They act as a point of contact for internal and external audits.
• Procurement: Assisting with the procurement of goods and services, ensuring value for money and compliance with procurement policies. This can involve sourcing suppliers, negotiating contracts, and processing payments.
• Payroll Administration: Managing the payroll for staff employed within the School of Computing Sciences, ensuring accurate and timely payment of salaries and wages.

The team within the SCI Finance Office typically consists of experienced finance professionals with a strong understanding of university financial processes. They possess excellent communication skills, allowing them to effectively interact with staff from diverse backgrounds. They also have a strong attention to detail and are committed to providing a high level of service to the school.

The Finance Office works in collaboration with other departments within the university, such as the central Finance Department, Research and Innovation Services (RIS), and Human Resources. This collaborative approach ensures that the SCI school operates efficiently and effectively within the broader university framework.

In essence, the UEA SCI Finance Office is a vital resource for the School of Computing Sciences, enabling it to effectively manage its finances and support its research and teaching activities.