Associate Finance Director, Research (12-month FTC with potential to transition to permanent)

An opportunity has opened with a leading organisation in the higher education sector for an experienced Associate Finance Director to support a large and complex research environment. This role sits within a major academic faculty supporting a broad portfolio of research activity across multiple health and scientific disciplines.

This area collaborates closely with hospital networks and is currently developing shared infrastructure with Local Health Districts and university partners, creating a highly strategic environment that sits at the intersection of research, academia and healthcare.

This role is offered as a 12-month fixed term contract, with strong potential to transition into a permanent role for the right person.

Key responsibilities

* Act as a strategic finance partner to senior stakeholders including Academics, Heads of School, faculty managers and executive leadership
* Support major infrastructure initiatives through financial modelling, investment analysis and business case development
* Provide financial governance and oversight across research funding and philanthropic contributions
* Partner with academic and research leaders to support the continued growth of the research portfolio
* Identify opportunities for efficiency, improved ways of working and continuous improvement across finance processes
* Collaborate across a complex stakeholder environment including academic leaders, hospital partners and external organisations
* Provide leadership and guidance to finance team members while working closely with the broader finance function

About the team

The role will lead a small team of finance professionals including finance managers and junior staff, while partnering with a wide range of stakeholders across the research and academic environment.

About you

* 15+ years of finance experience within complex organisations
* Proven experience partnering with executive or senior leadership stakeholders
* Strong financial modelling, commercial analysis and business case development capability
* Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing finance teams
* Strong communication skills with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders
* Ability to navigate complex environments and work effectively within structured governance frameworks
* A collaborative and pragmatic approach, able to challenge constructively while maintaining strong relationships
* CPA or CA qualification preferred

This opportunity would suit a commercially minded finance leader who combines strong technical capability with excellent stakeholder engagement and strategic thinking.

Apply now