As the Associate Director, Finance Operations, you will shape the future of finance operations at the University. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this newly created position brings together key transactional finance functions—including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Research Accounting, and related operational services—into one integrated, high‐performing portfolio.
This strategic and operational leadership opportunity is for an experienced finance professional who enjoys improving systems, streamlining processes, building capability, and creating exceptional service experiences for stakeholders. You will lead a large and diverse team through continuous improvement initiatives while partnering across the University to strengthen finance operations, compliance, efficiency, and engagement.
In this role, you will:
* Lead and oversee the delivery of core finance operational and transactional services across the University and its controlled entities.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance systems, processes, efficiencies and service outcomes.
* Partner with stakeholders across Colleges and Divisions to improve financial operations, user experience, compliance and process effectiveness.
* Provide strategic advice on finance operations, policies, delegations and system improvements.
* Use operational data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities for enhanced performance.
* Lead, mentor and develop a high‐performing team focused on collaboration, accountability and customer‐service excellence.
* Monitor service delivery performance against agreed standards and implement improvements where required.
* Contribute to University‐wide projects and strategic initiatives as a trusted advisor and financial leader.
About you and what you'll bring:
* Significant senior‐level finance operations experience within a large and complex organisation.
* Qualifications in Business, Commerce, Finance or a related discipline.
* Demonstrated success leading operational finance teams and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
* Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship‐management skills, with the ability to influence across all organisational levels.
* Experience improving systems, processes and service delivery outcomes.
* Strong leadership capability with a people‐focused and collaborative approach.
* Excellent analytical, communication and problem‐solving skills.
Qualifications: CA or CPA qualifications are desirable but not essential.
What the role offers (benefits):
* Competitive remuneration and superannuation commensurate with skills and experience.
* Excellent employment conditions in line with University of Newcastle professional staff conditions.
* Flexible working arrangements in line with the University's Flexible Work Policy.
* 35‐hour week.
* 17% superannuation and salary packaging.
* Additional University holiday days, generous personal leave, parental leave, annual leave loading and an additional purchased leave scheme.
* Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more.
* Well‐being programs.
Legal & Equal Opportunity Statements
Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. The University is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
The University of Newcastle is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. We are also committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. The University welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people living with disability, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, the University will consider gender‐based violence risk factors as part of its recruitment processes. The completion and return of the University's Gender‐Based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre‐employment checks for this position and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.
Closing date
Friday 5th June 2026
#J-18808-Ljbffr