Careers at UniSC

• Financial Services, Sunshine Coast Campus, Sippy Downs
• Level 9, $134,332 - $140,696 p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
• Full-time, fixed-term appointment 2 years

The Opportunity

Join us as a Senior Financial Accountant at the University of the Sunshine Coast, where you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of our financial reporting. You'll deliver proactive, value-added financial and business services to both internal and external stakeholders. You'll lead the maintenance of detailed working papers and technical accounting position papers, conduct General Ledger reconciliations, and promptly resolve discrepancies to maintain the integrity of our financial accounts. Your role will also involve overseeing the Financial Reporting team, ensuring they operate with precision, adhere to policies and procedures, and align with external audit requirements. Join us in making a tangible impact within a dynamic educational environment, where your expertise will contribute to our commitment to excellence and transparency in financial management.

You will

• drive the preparation of UniSC’s annual financial statements, ensuring compliance with national and state reporting standards;
• oversee general ledger, asset accounting, taxation, and investment reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance; and
• develop and enforce financial policies and processes that enhance compliance, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

About you

Our ideal candidate is a confident financial leader who thrives on delivering high-quality financial services and strategic advice in a collaborative and fast-paced environment. You’re a trusted expert in financial reporting, taxation, and compliance, with a sharp eye for detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving. You know how to lead a team, streamline processes, and leverage technology to enhance financial governance and decision-making. With your deep understanding of accounting standards and legislative requirements, you ensure UniSC’s financial integrity while driving continuous improvement. Most importantly, you're passionate about using your expertise to support our university community and help shape its future.

You will possess:

• Proven leadership experience in financial accounting within a complex organisation, navigating governance structures and administrative processes with confidence.
• Deep expertise in interpreting legislation and accounting standards, managing audits, taxation, financial reporting, and funding, ideally within higher education.
• A track record of developing and implementing financial policies and practices, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills to refine and streamline business processes.
• Resilient and self-aware, with the ability to balance competing demands and adapt in a dynamic environment.
• Strong people management skills, with the ability to lead teams, oversee workflows, and support individual and team development.
• Highly proficient in financial systems and technology, including TechnologyOne, databases, electronic diaries, and Microsoft applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain processes and prepare concise, well-structured reports.
• A commitment to high-quality client service, with strong relationship-building skills and the ability to influence, negotiate, and collaborate effectively.
• Strong organisational and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines while working both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

• Experience in the higher education sector, with an understanding of challenges shaping its strategic direction.
• Familiarity with UniSC enterprise systems.

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:  493132_position description.pdf

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

All applications must be lodged through the Careers at UniSC website.

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

Applications for this position close midnight, Wednesday 19 March 2025

Your completed application must include:

• a resume and a statement of suitability (not to exceed two pages), which 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:

Frances Marshall
Associate Director, Financial Operations
Telephone: 07 5430 1164
Email: fmarshal@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.

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 26 research fields ranked at or above world standard according to the Excellence in 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.