About The Team

The Finance team is a proactive, valued, and trusted business partner within the University and provides significant contributions towards the implementation of the University's strategic plan. The team is dedicated to creating a customer focused and collaborative environment, empowering decision makers in the delivery of innovative education and research.

Your New Role!

The Senior Financial Accountant will support the Manager Accounting, Tax and Governance and the Head of Financial Compliance by leading the coordination of, and participation in, the monthly accounts close and reviews, preparation of the annual financial statements, audit and compliance policy & processes, and undertake other financial compliance projects as required.

Your key responsibilities will include -

• Co-ordinate and prepare the University's consolidated and subsidiaries financial statutory and regulatory reporting in accordance with current legislative requirements including the Commonwealth Guidelines, Financial Management Act and Australian Accounting Standards and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Providing expert advice, guidance and support to the University community, executives, and other senior decision makers in relation to accounting/financial matters.
• Day to day management of tasks performed by the Financial Accountants, and the Finance Support Officer, as well as review of outputs.
• Lead the development and monitoring of accounting, financial reporting management, and control frameworks as well as associated compliance policies and procedures and key internal and external relationships.
• Provide strategic technical advice on accounting, reporting, and compliance to guide risk, performance, and commercial outcomes across the University.
• Draft technical advice and supporting papers in relation to relevant Commonwealth Guidelines, Financial Management Act and Australian Accounting Standards, and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Provide various statutory and regulatory returns as required by external authorities.
• Co-ordinate the monthly general ledger close and reviews.
• Oversee the maintenance of the University's fixed asset register and operating bank accounts.

Please refer to the Position Description for a full list of key responsibilities.

What We Offer You!

This Continuous | Full Time (37.5 hours per week) attracts a remuneration of $126,000- $132,000 plus 17% employer superannuation contributions.

You'll join a dynamic and talented team where diversity and innovation thrive. Our Bronze- tier status in the Australian Workplace Equality Index reflects our commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion, equity and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all. We strive to be the university of choice for First Nations peoples, honouring Indigenous knowledge. Sustainability is central to our community and guided by clear, confident leadership, we are working toward an ambitious future with goals of net zero emissions and zero waste by 2030.

As well as the flexibility to maintain a work life balance, our staff enjoy a vibrant, natural campus with world-class facilities, along with a variety of benefits, including:

• Periodic salary increases between 1 July 2025 to 1 July 2026 totalling a 6% increase!
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Load and allowance - providing up to $8,944 per year to First Nations employees who are contributing cultural knowledge and perspectives beyond the scope of their role
• Indigenous Language Allowance
• Salary packaging options - such as purchasing leave, gym membership, car parking permit
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-campus services and facilities, such as a Childcare Centre, Gym, Vet Hospital, and Chiropractic Clinic

For further information, check out our benefits and services page!

Join us!

Please apply online via the Apply Now button, along with submitting the following documents to support your application -

• A cover letter including a statement addressing the selection criteria (with reference to the Position Description)
• Your most recent resume (CV)

Selection Criteria:

• Degree of other tertiary qualification, with over 10 years' experience in financial compliance or related discipline.
• Full professional member of a recognised Australian or International equivalent accounting body.
• Substantial leadership experience in the areas of accounting, financial reporting, risk and compliance.
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of financial legislation and accounting best practice standards, with extensive knowledge of Australian Accounting Standards and audit requirements.
• Ability to articulate complex accounting, reporting and compliance matters to individuals without a financial background.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven record of providing high quality and responsive specialist advice on accounting, reporting and compliance related matters.

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a criminal record check in accordance with the University's Criminal Record Screening Procedure and Employee Background Checks Procedure.

Applicants should refer to the Position Description for further details on the work requirements, duties, skills and experience required for this role. Applications sent by post or email will not be accepted.

Please note visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.

Please see the Applicant Guide for more information. Applicants who have support or access requirements, are encouraged to advise this at the time of their application, to ensure appropriate assistance is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Contact Us

For enquiries about the opportunity on offer please reach out to Samantha Chan, Manager Accounting, Tax and Governance and quote JR104015 as the reference.

Applications Close on 02/07/2025 (11:59pm AWST)

The University reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement at any time.

Murdoch University acknowledges the different perspectives, skills and experience that people from different backgrounds bring to strengthen its workforce. Murdoch University is committed to enhancing diversity in all its forms and strongly encourages suitably qualified candidates from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people of CaLD background and people of diverse genders to apply for this important position.