Associate Director - Finance Operations

• Lead transformation.
• Drive operational excellence.
• Influence the future of finance services.

As the Associate Director, Finance Operations, you will play an important leadership role in shaping the future of finance operations at the University. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this newly created position brings together key transactional finance functions including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Research Accounting and related operational services into one integrated, high-performing portfolio.

This is a strategic and operational leadership opportunity for an experienced finance professional who enjoys improving systems, streamlining processes, building capability, and creating exceptional service experiences for stakeholders. You will lead a large and diverse team through continuous improvement initiatives while partnering across the University to strengthen finance operations, compliance, efficiency and engagement.

You will combine operational oversight with strategic influence, helping to modernise processes, optimise systems, and ensure finance services are responsive, effective and aligned to the University’s strategic goals.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and oversee the delivery of core finance operational and transactional services across the University and its controlled entities
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance systems, processes, efficiencies and service outcomes
• Partner with stakeholders across Colleges and Divisions to improve financial operations, user experience, compliance and process effectiveness
• Provide strategic advice on finance operations, policies, delegations and system improvements
• Use operational data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities for enhanced performance
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team focused on collaboration, accountability and customer service excellence
• Monitor service delivery performance against agreed standards and implement improvements where required
• Contribute to University-wide projects and strategic initiatives as a trusted advisor and financial leader

This senior position is a full time continuing role and is based at Callaghan

About you and what you’ll bring:

• Significant senior-level finance operations experience within a large and complex organisation
• Qualifications in Business, Commerce, Finance or a related discipline
• Demonstrated success leading operational finance teams and driving continuous improvement initiatives
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence across all organisational levels
• Experience improving systems, processes and service delivery outcomes
• Strong leadership capability with a people-focused and collaborative approach
• Excellent analytical, communication and problem-solving skills

***        CA or CPA qualifications are desirable but not essential.

What will set this opportunity apart

This is an exciting opportunity to step into a newly established leadership role where you can genuinely influence the direction of finance operations and service delivery. You will have the scope to shape processes, embed efficiencies, improve stakeholder experiences, and build a culture of continuous improvement across a critical University function.

You’ll join a collaborative and forward-thinking leadership environment where innovation, partnership and improvement are valued.

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 2025-2030 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: 

• Competitive remuneration + superannuation (commensurate with skills and experience )
• 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 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 Paul McCubbin, Chief Financial Officer (02) 4913 8258 or via email Paul.McCubbin@newcastle.edu.au

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

Closing date: Friday 5th June 2026

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 acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas. We extend that respect to the homelands of our students and staff. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. We are fully committed to building on our strengths in Indigenous higher education and providing a supportive space for our Indigenous students, staff and communities.

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.

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