Careers at UniSC

• Financial Services | UniSC Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
• Level 9 ($91.66 per hour) plus 12% employer superannuation
• Casual appointment

The Opportunity

The casual Senior Financial Accountant will provide short-term leadership and technical oversight of the University’s financial reporting function during a critical backfill period. This role supports continuity while the substantive incumbent is seconded to an interim position, ensuring key financial reporting, audit, and compliance activities are delivered without disruption.

This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role responsible for maintaining audit readiness, statutory compliance, and the integrity of financial processes during a peak operational period. You will work closely with internal stakeholders to deliver time-sensitive outcomes and uphold strong financial governance.

You will

• lead and coordinate external audit activities, including engagement with external auditors, ensuring timely delivery of audit requirements and responses;
• oversee end-of-month processes, including clearing reconciliation backlogs and preparing critical accrual journals;
• maintain general ledger integrity and oversee key financial controls, including bank transactions and approvals;
• deliver statutory compliance requirements, including quarterly payroll tax reporting in collaboration with People and Culture;
• progress updates to the Financial Management Practice Manual, including documenting end-of-month and general ledger procedures; and
• provide specialist technical accounting advice, including asset accounting and leasing, while supporting leadership continuity within the Financial Reporting team.

About you

Our ideal candidate is a technically strong and experienced financial accounting professional who can step into a critical role and provide immediate impact. You are confident managing complex reporting and compliance requirements, while maintaining accuracy and meeting tight deadlines. You bring a proactive approach, strong judgement, and the ability to provide clear direction in a dynamic environment.

You will possess:

• Relevant postgraduate qualification in Accounting, Commerce or a related discipline;
• CA or CPA qualification (or equivalent);
• Demonstrated experience in financial reporting, audit coordination, and statutory compliance within a complex organisation;
• Strong leadership capability, with the ability to guide team output and manage competing priorities;
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, including expertise in general ledger management, reconciliations, and accounting standards; and
• Experience working with financial systems and reporting frameworks in medium to large organisations (higher education experience is highly regarded).

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.

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, Monday 4 May 2026.  

Your completed application must include:

• a resume, noting your application will be reviewed in alignment to the specified Selection Criteria as outlined within the advertisement.

We will be reviewing applications and contacting suitable candidates throughout the duration of this advertisement. We strongly encourage you to submit your interest as soon as possible.

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:

Georgina Ballester
Interim Associate Director, Financial Operations
Email: gballester@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 fields ranked well above world standard in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings, demonstrating outstanding performance across key disciplines. At UniSC, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the educational landscape and contribute to shaping the future for generations to come.

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.