"As a department head, I also have regular contact with the controller regarding the departmental budget. And as a member of the faculty board, I liaise with the head of finance about the faculty budget and the financial opportunities and challenges facing the faculty. My experience in these three roles has been very positive; the finance department supports and advises researchers, managers, and administrators on financial matters, and they provide valuable insights not only into opportunities and possibilities but also into challenges and pitfalls that you might not always see yourself.
They are very important to me because they advise me on financial decisions and expenditures, and they alert me if a budget could be better utilised in another way. The advice and insights from the finance colleagues ensure that budgets are used most effectively. They are knowledgeable about regulations and take a lot of the burden off by liaising with and maintaining contact with funding bodies. They also show interest in and enthusiasm for the research. For example, we share successes from successful grant applications. They are enthusiastic, engaged, proactive, and constructive. I truly feel that we work together, whether it's a grant application or managing the departmental budget. Often, they identify opportunities that you might not have considered. Therefore, they are essential for optimal and accurate financial support and advice.
The finance colleagues I interact with are all great colleagues and are regularly invited to join in celebrations at the department or research institute!"