Manager Research Accounting

• Step beyond traditional finance and play a meaningful role in supporting world-class research.
• Lead a specialist team supporting the management of research grants across a complex and dynamic environment.
• Apply your technical skills and stakeholder engagement expertise beyond traditional commercial accounting.

Be Challenged and Imagine with us

At the University of Newcastle, research is driving breakthroughs in health, engineering, science, education, sustainability and social impact. Behind every successful research project is strong financial and grant management, ensuring funding is managed responsibly and researchers can focus on making a difference.

As Manager, Research Accounting, you will lead a team of Research Accountants and oversee the University's research accounting function. Reporting to the Associate Director, Finance Operations, you will provide decisive leadership across grant maintenance and acquittals, administration of research funding, financial reporting, compliance and stakeholder engagement.

This is not a traditional management accounting role. You will work across a diverse portfolio, including government grants, industry partnerships, philanthropic funding and other research initiatives, navigating complex funding arrangements and helping shape best-practice financial management in a highly collaborative environment.

You will also play an important role in strengthening processes, driving continuous improvement initiatives and leading the team through opportunities to streamline and enhance research accounting operations.

In this role you will

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of Research Accountants, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the delivery of research accounting services across the University and its controlled entities.
• Ensure the accurate and timely management of research grants, financial reporting, grant acquittals and compliance obligations.
• Build strong relationships with researchers, funding bodies and stakeholders across the University.
• Provide expert financial advice on research funding matters, policies and reporting requirements.
• Manage risk and ensure compliance with funding agreements, regulatory requirements and University policies.
• Drive process improvements and identify opportunities to enhance systems, controls and service delivery.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives that support the University's research ambitions and long-term success.

This opportunity is for you if you:

• Are ideally a qualified accountant with strong technical accounting knowledge and experience.
• Enjoy leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Have exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build trusted relationships.
• Can interpret complex financial information and provide practical advice to diverse audiences.
• Have strong attention to detail while maintaining a strategic perspective.
• Thrive in environments where problem solving, judgement and continuous improvement are valued.
• Are looking for an opportunity to apply your accounting expertise in a broader, more meaningful context.

What will set you apart:

• CA or CPA qualification.
• Experience leading financial operations, management or commercial accounting or grant-funded programs within a complex organisation.
• Experience driving process improvement and strengthening financial controls.
• An ability to balance technical expertise with strong people leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.

This continuing role is full time at a HEW 8 Higher Education Worker Level and is located at Callaghan Campus.

About our University

The University of Newcastle stands as a global leader distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Our vision is to be a world-leading University for our regions and creating a better future for our regions and the globe. Underpinned by this vision and our values of excellence, equity, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle’s Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2030 outlines the University’s commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience and serving our communities. 

For more information click here – Our University. 

What we offer

In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively. 

These include: 

• An FTE equivalent remuneration of $116,596 - $136,030 + superannuation and 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% super and salary packaging
• Additional University Holiday days, generous personal leave and parental leave, annual leave loading and additional purchased leave scheme
• Discounts in private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more
• Wellbeing programs

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University's please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University's website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application. 

Your application must include: 

• Your resume
• A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity
•  A statement addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria listed in the job description demonstrating your qualifications and experience with examples.

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your application.

Please upload your Cover Letter and response to the requested Criteria as one PDF document.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

Applications for this position will only be accepted from those with Australian residency or a valid work permit. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. 

For specific position enquiries, please contact Brad Holmes, Associate Director, Finance Operations on 0419 435 228 or email Brad.Holmes@newcastle.edu.au

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us: employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date: Tuesday 7th July 2026 @ 11:59pm AEST

Our assessment process

Typically, candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

 Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our 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.

Our adherence to the Code is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

We are excited to be Looking Ahead with you

The University of Newcastle is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives each person brings to our community and strive to create a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. We encourage 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.

#LI-KG1