Finance, purchasing and travel

Finance, purchasing and travel: Our experienced team help manage your research in terms of funding (with the JRES), purchasing consumables and services, and travel requirements.

Dorota Smith (Finance Officer)

I work Mon-Fri

Since I joined St. George’s in 2005 I have worked in various administrative roles in the University.  What I enjoy the most about my job are its versatility of being able to do a variety of tasks, autonomy, teamwork and challenges.

In my current role of a Finance Officer:

I provide support to the research institutes management and staff, and work closely with our professional services (Finance, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll), Joint Research and Enterprise Services and Research Facilities teams.

I am the primary point of contact for finance-related queries in Research Institutes, which include producing reports (standard, non-standard, commitment, research grants application status), assisting with the closure of research grants, uploading electronic transfer and correction journals, setting up new subproject codes, processing credit notes and invoice requests, investigating account variances, dealing with transaction queries and providing backups, credit card purchases, resolving outstanding finance issues with Payroll, Finance Office, Enterprise Office, JRES and Accounts Receivable, involvement in internal and external audits, currently outsourced BRF work contracts and invoicing, support and advice to the institute’s principal investigators on current and future financial plans as well as preparation of financial year accruals.

I currently supervise a team of two administrators – Rebecca Braveboy (Travel and Finance) and Nathalie Fayers (Purchaser).

Nathalie Fayers, Purchaser – (Research)

I work Mon-Fri

I am the Research Operations Purchaser responsible for assisting the three Research Institutes (I&I, MCS and PHRI) in purchasing consumables, equipment and any services required to maintain these. This includes raising and receipting orders, liaising with suppliers, tracking deliveries and helping to source products ensuring we get the best value for money.

 I am also responsible for providing basket sharing training on Science Warehouse via MS Teams. Science Warehouse provides direct access to electronic catalogues from a variety of suppliers using our discounted pricing. I encourage all staff to have the training, as it only takes about 45 minutes and can then save you so much time and money! 

In addition to my role as a Purchaser, I was elected chair of the Staff Disability Network in 2019, and I became a Mental Health First Aider in 2021. More information on the Network can be found here and more information on Mental Health and Wellbeing for staff can be found here.

Rebecca Braveboy (Administrative Assistant, Travel and finance)

 I work Mon- Thurs (Mon, Weds, Thurs office-based)

I am the main contact for all travel and accommodation enquiries.  I support finance administration, travel arrangements and general purchasing i.e., course fees and meeting registrations of the three Research Institutes. 

Part of my role includes liaising with suppliers regarding quotations including Key Travel who are the designated travel supplier used by St. Georges University.

I also work closely with the Administrative Team in the Research Operations Directorate to provide the Researchers with an excellent service.

• Business Travel shop
• SGUL key travel FAQs (PDF)
• St Georges University of London tavel cover summary 2021 (PDF).