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When it comes to the Department of Research and Innovation, Sarah Thornton is no stranger.  Already working as the External Funding Assistant for the European Office in the Department, she recently boosted her career by achieving Chartered Accountant (ACA) status, and securing her new role as Assistant Accountant.

Also holding the ICAEW Audit Qualification, Sarah has a background in industry – working for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as an External Auditor for almost four years; a job which she says gave her a good understanding of how businesses work and how they deal with their finances:

“Whilst working for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP I learned a great deal about business.  I was lucky enough to deal with a wide variety of clients, such as Alcoa, Corus and the University of Glamorgan, which taught me good quality business skills and how to understand how businesses function as wholes.”

New appointment

Such industry and financial experience led to her appointment in the University three years ago, and continues to be useful in her new role as Assistant Accountant.  Sarah explains:

“In my new post I am responsible for the financial element of claims for a number of European projects funded through Convergence funding and the Framework Programme (FP7), such as the LEAD Wales and Integris projects.

“Part of my role includes meeting with the project teams on a regular basis to review financial claims, and providing advice and assistance on budgets, monitoring of spend and compliance with funding rules.

“I also coordinate and review Welsh European Collaboration Fund applications for financial assistance in preparing FP7 and Technology Strategy Board applications.”

New website

As well as all of her European Office tasks, Sarah also sits on the Department of Research and Innovation’s web group.  The group looks at the Department website regularly to make sure it is kept up-to-date and relevant according to feedback from users.

Recently the European Office pages have been revamped – and now include a raft of new information for your reference. Sarah explains:

“The European Office exists to offer specialist support and advice to all University employees who wish to apply for European funding. There are highlights of how we can help on the website – just click here.

“There are also a number of European bulletins and newsletters that we upload on a regular basis, including weekly information from the HE European Unit, Higher Education European Funding Services Bulletin, and monthly bulletins from the Welsh Higher Education in Brussels Office.”

“We have recently put together a European Structural Funds Handbook that can be viewed by Swansea University staff on the intranet that will answer many frequently asked questions, and help staff structure their European funding activity.”

With her newly acquired Chartered Accountant status, and commitment to her work in the European Office as well her involvement in the website show that she is dedicated to her role, and an asset to the University.

Sarah is happy to help – whether you need to make claims regarding a successful European project, are interested in making a WECF application, or pursuing a Convergence or FP7 European bid, you can reach her on 01792 295924 or email s.f.e.thornton@swansea.ac.uk.

To receive regular email updates on EU Research Funding Calls via the UK Research Office please set up/ edit your user profile through http://ims.ukro.ac.uk

Prior to submission, all projects with a Swansea University participant must be discussed with and authorised by both Head of School and the DRI European Office, allowing sufficient time for preparing the proposal. Support can be given with preparing costs and links to the EU policy agenda.