Careers at UniSC

• Financial Services, Sunshine Coast Campus, Sippy Downs
• Attractive remuneration, commensurate with skills and experience, plus 17% employer superannuation
• Full-time, fixed term appointment 5 years

The Opportunity

Financial Services plays a vital role in supporting the University community by providing trusted advice and leadership across strategic and operational finance and procurement. With a strong focus on continuous improvement, sound governance and accountability, the team contributes to UniSC’s long-term sustainability through smart financial planning and the delivery of major initiatives. As Associate Director, Finance Compliance & Operations, you will take a hands-on leadership role, overseeing the accurate and timely delivery of the University’s financial obligations including statutory reporting, taxation, legislative compliance and key financial projects. You’ll also lead core operational functions such as accounts receivable, accounts payable, travel and procurement, guiding a dedicated team of finance professionals to deliver high-quality, reliable services across UniSC.

For more information, please visit us online: Financial Services

We value a balance between work flexibility and engaging with teams onsite, this role will be primarily office-based at our Sippy Downs campus in a 4:1 hybrid working model.

You will

• support the strategic direction of Financial Services and UniSC by aligning finance, compliance, reporting, planning and procurement activities with University priorities;
• lead and enhance finance compliance and operational frameworks, ensuring accuracy, integrity and best practice across statutory, policy and governance obligations;
• provide hands-on leadership across the employee life cycle, building a high-performing Operations and Compliance team that delivers reliable, high-quality services; and
• work closely with Financial Services colleagues, University leaders and stakeholders, offering strategic and technical insight to resolve complex compliance and operational matters and advance the University’s goals.

About you

Our ideal candidate is a thoughtful, hands-on finance leader who enjoys bringing clarity, confidence and momentum to complex environments. You’re someone who balances strong technical judgement with a genuine commitment to people. You take pride in building capable, motivated teams and creating an environment where great service comes naturally. You’re comfortable overseeing sophisticated financial, compliance, taxation and procurement frameworks, and you have a practical eye for improving how things work, whether that’s strengthening data integrity, refining processes or making the most of finance technologies. You enjoy working closely with colleagues across the University, translating detail into insight and helping others navigate financial and regulatory requirements with confidence. Above all, you care about doing things well, you’re curious about better ways forward, and you’re motivated by contributing to a University that makes a meaningful difference for its students, partners and communities.

You will possess:

• Senior leadership experience in financial management within a complex environment, with the resilience and judgement to balance competing priorities and lead through change.
• Strong expertise across financial, taxation and procurement operations, with the ability to interpret requirements, resolve issues and apply sound governance.
• A strong service mindset, with the ability to build trusted, collaborative relationships and support a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Proven people leadership capability, including shaping effective workflows and supporting individual and team performance and development.
• Well-developed business acumen, including negotiation and contract management experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a positive, practical approach to challenge and continuous improvement.
• The ability to design, implement and improve policies, practices and business systems that strengthen integrity and efficiency.
• High-level capability with financial systems and contemporary technologies supporting modern finance and procurement operations.

Highly desirable

• Membership with CPA Australia (or equivalent) or a relevant professional body.
• Knowledge of, or experience within, a university environment.

Don't meet every requirement? At UniSC, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our position description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.

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 unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Position description:  494084_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 unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

Applications for this position close midnight, Sunday 1 March 2026

Your completed application must include:

• a resume, cover letter and responses to specific pre-determined selection criteria as outlined in the application form. Noting your application will 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:

Sue Phillips
Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: 07 5430 1115
Email: cfo@usc.edu.au

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 and a growing footprint in major capital cities.

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 13 research fields ranked well above world standard, characterised by evidence of outstanding performance according to the Excellence 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.