Canberra Strategic Finance Lead, UNSW Canberra OR Sydney
Employment type: Fixed-term contract, full-time (35 hours per week)
Duration: 18 months
Remuneration: Level 9 from $148,012 plus 17% super
Location: UNSW Canberra OR UNSW Sydney
About UNSW Canberra
University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Canberra has multiple locations in the Nation’s Capital. UNSW Canberra distinguishes itself from other institutions by its commitment to being thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all endeavours. This combined approach is integral to the university's impact and contributes to its recognition as one of the top 20 universities globally, as well as a proud member of Australia's esteemed Group of Eight. Choosing a career at UNSW means embracing an environment where thriving, facing challenges, and engaging in meaningful work are not just encouraged but integral to the university experience. If you seek a career where you can excel and contribute meaningfully, you've found the right place.
At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.
Why Your Role Matters:
The Finance Business Partnering team provides end-to-end finance services to UNSW Canberra and plays a critical role in supporting the strategic planning and resource allocation decisions across the Faculty. Key focuses include financial planning, forecasting and reporting, financial analysis, decision support, general accounting and transactional services across all funding sources. As the Canberra Strategic Finance Lead, you will be accountable for leading financial modelling, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and analysis for UNSW Canberra’s strategic initiatives, in close collaboration with UNSW Sydney.
Accountabilities:
- Lead the development of complex financial modelling, analysis and scenario testing of UNSW Canberra’s strategic initiatives, including UNSW Canberra City, in collaboration with UNSW Sydney.
- Identify, report and proactively manage financial performance through the development and monitoring of budgets and forecasts of our strategic initiatives to inform decision making.
- Develop and review financial modelling and cost benefit analysis in business cases that deliver UNSW Canberra’s strategic objectives.
- Engage with relevant stakeholders at all levels across UNSW Canberra and UNSW Sydney, alongside the Finance Business Partner, to enable the achievement of the strategic initiatives.
- Drive continuous process improvement at UNSW Canberra, investigating, analysing, and documenting business processes and potential solutions that contribute to ongoing process standardisation, unification, and optimisation.
Who You Are (skills and experience):
- Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline, CA or CPA qualification (or equivalent) and relevant professional sector experience.
- Substantial experience in core and complex financial management and financial control processes, insight driven analysis and modelling.
- An understanding of continuous improvement techniques.
- Strong audience appropriate communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to develop, analyse and interpret complex data models and provide strategic direction and advice.
- Advanced experience of analytical tools, in particular, a high level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power BI and its application in financial modelling and analysis to provide clear and relevant analytical insights.
- Excellent organisational skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, work independently with effectiveness, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines.
Benefits and Culture:
UNSW is committed to helping staff balance work-life responsibilities, by providing access to high-quality services, facilities, and flexible work and leave arrangements.
- Flexible working options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
- Additional three days leave during December festive period
- Career development opportunities
- Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
- Flexible 17% superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice
- Free gym access
- UNSW-wide strategy to focus on Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Places and Healthy Culture.
Eligibility:
The successful candidate will be required to undertake pre-employment checks prior to commencement in this role. The checks that will be undertaken are listed in the Position Description. You will not be required to provide any further documentation or information regarding the checks until directly requested by UNSW.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must hold full rights to work in Australia to be considered for this position.
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
How to apply:
Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Please apply via our online recruitment system.
In your application, please include:
- your CV
- a 2-page cover letter addressing the skills and experience outlined in the Position Description.
In order to view the position description, please ensure that you allow pop-ups for https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au
Applications close: Monday 7 July 2025 at 11.30pm
Get in Touch
To discuss the position please contact: Kayla Jones kayla.jones@unsw.edu.au
Queries regarding applications - please contact: h.whale@unsw.edu.au
(for job related queries only – applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed)
Find out more about the lifestyle and benefits when working with UNSW
For further information about UNSW Canberra, please visit: UNSW Canberra
For further information on living in Canberra, please visit: Living in Canberra
UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.
