Logo for Finance Manager

Finance Manager

University of the Sunshine Coast
Sippy Downs, QLD
A$143,875 p/a
Accounting → Financial Managers & Controllers
Full-time
On-site

Posted 14 days ago


  • Financial Services, Sunshine Coast Campus, Sippy Downs
  • Level 10, $143,875 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
  • Full-time, ongoing appointment

The Opportunity

As Finance Manager, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the University’s financial reporting is accurate, timely, and meaningful. You’ll provide financial and business services that support informed decision-making, from budgeting and financial analysis to grants administration and compliance with legislation, including taxation. Your expertise will help us manage resources effectively, ensuring we can continue to invest in education, research, and the communities we serve.

You will

  • work with the Associate Director to reshape UniSC’s budgeting and forecasting frameworks, driving continuous improvement that keeps pace with sector changes, new technology, and evolving ways of working;
  • lead initiatives that enhance financial processes, making them smarter, more efficient, and ready for the future;
  • combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, working autonomously while collaborating closely with senior leadership; and
  • harness technology and data analytics to streamline processes and provide meaningful financial insights that support informed decision-making.

About you

Our ideal candidate is a proactive, strategic thinker who thrives in both the big picture and the day-to-day details. You’ll bring a strong sense of leadership, guiding teams to deliver exceptional service while continuously improving systems and processes to align with the University’s goals. You’re someone who is just as comfortable providing strategic advice on budgeting and financial processes as you are rolling up your sleeves to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial reports. With your ability to manage complex financial tasks—like business planning, grants management, and forecasting—you’ll play a key role in driving the University’s financial success while adapting to an ever-evolving environment.

You will possess:

  • Expertise in accounting standards, financial control, taxation, and reporting, with a strong understanding of statements of accounting concepts.
  • Proven experience in preparing and analysing high-level financial reports, particularly within the higher education sector, including managing grant funding acquittals.
  • Ability to interpret complex financial issues and find solutions within medium to large organisations.
  • Strong project management skills, including managing teams and workflows, implementing evaluation and improvement processes, and prioritising competing demands to meet deadlines.
  • Advanced skills in financial software and Excel, with a deep understanding of their application in financial management.
  • Proven ability to initiate, develop, and implement new policies and practices that drive continuous improvement.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively liaise with senior leaders and key stakeholders.

Desirable:

  • Current membership with the Australian Society of Certified Practicing Accountants or equivalent.
  • Experience in the higher education sector and a strong understanding of accountability and reporting requirements.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at [email protected] or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Position description: 493198_position description.pdf

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact [email protected]

Applications for this position close midnight, Monday 21 April 2025

Your completed application must include:

  • a resume and a statement of suitability (not to exceed two pages), which be reviewed in alignment to the specified selection criteria as outlined within the position description.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Jodi Marchant
Associate Director, Financial Management & Commercial
Telephone: 07 5409 8663
Email: [email protected]

Discover UniSC

We're all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We're one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland.

Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we do, and our commitment to sustainability is integrated into our teaching, research, and daily operations. Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 26 research fields ranked at or above world standard according to the Excellence in Research for Australia Rankings. At UniSC you will have the opportunity to contribute to the educational landscape for future generations.

We foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continuous professional development and providing resources to enhance your career. We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We're not afraid to be different, and we're looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve our local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

  • Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
  • Modern teaching & research facilities.
  • Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
  • We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
  • Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
  • Salary packing options + 17% Super.
  • EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.

About University of the Sunshine Coast

Petrie, QLD, Australia
Education & Training

The university is engaged in the provision of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs. The registered head office of the company is located in Maroochydore, Australia.The university opened in 1996 with 500 students. It was the first greenfield public university to be established nationally since the early 1970s.The university is registered in the Australian University category in the National Register of Higher Education Providers, meaning USC complies with the Higher Education Standards for Australian universities, made under Australia's Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011. The university is regionally relevant and recognised, nationally and internationally, for excellence in teaching, research and engagement. The university is one of Australia's fastest growing universities, serving the Sunshine Coast and extended region from north Brisbane to the Fraser Coast.The university offers more than 100 undergraduate and postgraduate study programs in: Business, IT and tourism; Creative industries, design and communication; Education; Engineering, planning and science; Health, nursing and sport sciences; Humanities, psychology and social sciences; and Law.

Looking for More Opportunities?

Explore more jobs with upfront salary details that respect your worth.

General Manager of Clinical Operations

Oseca Health

Bunbury, WA
A$144,000 p/a
Full-time
On-site

External Engagement Manager - Research and Prototype Foundry

The University of Sydney

Sydney, NSW
A$140,000-$148,000 p/a
Contract
On-site

Senior IT Project Manager

City of Greater Geelong

Geelong, VIC
A$144,000 p/a
Contract
On-site

Manager - Community Mental Health Services

Department of Health Tasmania

Hobart, TAS
A$143,677 p/a
Full-time
On-site

Space Manager

UTS

NSW
A$143,592 p/a
Full-time
On-site

Portfolio Manager - Facilities Management

Curtin University

Bentley, WA
A$143,432 p/a
Full-time
On-site