Associate Director – Finance (Higher Education)
Sydney | $200K-$240K + Super (flexible for the right candidate)
A leading higher education client is seeking an Associate Director – Finance to oversee a major operational portfolio and provide strategic financial leadership across a large, complex organisation. This newly created senior leadership role reflects growth in demand and offers a clear pathway to step into an Acting Finance Director position.
About the Role
Reporting to the Finance Director, this role will lead a $*******M operational portfolio as part of a wider corporate function managing $1-$1.5B portfolio.
You'll partner with executives, program leaders, and project managers to shape financial strategy and governance, while guiding a team of 8 (dotted line) and building out direct reports over time.
Key Responsibilities
Providing strategic financial advice across operations and program portfolios
Leading and mentoring a high-performing finance team
Partnering with project managers to oversee multi-stream programs of work
Managing expectation-setting and value delivery for senior stakeholders
Overseeing financial planning, governance, and reporting at portfolio scale
Engaging with senior executives, including Vice Chancellor, Chancellors, and Principals
What You'll Bring
CA or CPA (essential); MBA highly regarded
10+ years' finance leadership in large, complex organisations
Prior higher education or government sector experience is beneficial
Strong technical foundations with proven success in portfolio management ($150M+)
Exceptional leadership and ability to inspire and mentor teams
High EQ, political awareness without political behaviour, and credibility built on integrity
Excellent communication skills; articulate, clear, and influential at senior levels
Demonstrated tenure and loyalty (minimum two years per role in career history)
Why Join
Lead a $300M+ operational portfolio with significant institutional impact
Opportunity to step into the Acting Finance Director within 12 months
High visibility with senior leadership and governance bodies
Fast-paced, complex environment where quality matters more than quantity
Interview Process
Pre-screen with a recruiter
Panel interview with 3 senior stakeholders (onsite)
Final discussion with Finance Director and CFO (if required)
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