Manager, Finance Business Partners

• Collaborative & inclusive work culture
• Located at either Lismore or Gold Coast
• Competitive remuneration package negotiated for the successful candidate

Southern Cross University is a dynamic, ambitious institution focused on its purpose of changing lives through revolutionary learning and research with real impact. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper learning experience, improving individual student outcomes, quality of life and a better way to learn. Our world-ranked research is driving positive impact for our communities, environment and economy.

Working at Southern Cross University combines a rare combination of being surrounded by ambitious students, dedicated colleagues and an environment of stunning natural beauty. We are leaders in our communities in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast and pride ourselves on helping shape a better tomorrow.

The Financial Performance (FP) work unit, a vital component of Southern Cross University’s Finance function, seeks a dynamic leader to propel the Business Partnering team to new heights. Reporting to the Director of Financial Performance, this role entails providing strategic leadership in financial performance and management, encompassing tasks such as month-end reviews, budgeting, forecasting, commercial analysis and project work. Leading an experienced and high functioning team of up to six direct reports, this role provides high-level advice to executives and senior management, contributing to the University's objectives and bottom-line improvement initiatives.

Your expertise reflects a track record of enhancing business performance through insightful analysis and strategic support, coupled with a strong grasp of commercial acumen. Managing geographically dispersed teams to ensure consistent high performance will be within your realm of experience. You are someone who leads by example, both in terms of building team technical capability, and importantly, maintaining the “people” side of an existing highly connected and engaged team.

Ideally, your background encompasses leadership roles in Financial Planning and Analysis (FPA) within large organisations, with emphasis on business partnering over financial reporting. Experience in the higher education sector (or similar industries), particularly within Go8 standard universities will be highly regarded (though is not a pre-requisite). More specifically, you will have:

• A relevant degree and current membership with CPA Australia or CAANZ, and extensive accounting experience.
• Demonstrated ability to provide actionable financial insights to senior management, facilitating informed decision-making processes.
• Proven leadership capabilities in driving high performance and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, coupled with outstanding communication skills and a history of successful stakeholder engagement at senior levels.
• High degree of proficiency in modelling using MS Excel, and relevant experience with ERP systems (i.e Technology One) and BI Tools (i.e Tableau) will be highly valued.
• Ability and willingness to travel between all SCU campuses in order to undertake duties.

Our staff benefit from flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work models, generous parental and carer’s leave provisions, wellbeing initiatives, employee assistance programs and professional learning opportunities. This position is:

• Full-time, continuing (permanent)
• Located at either Lismore or Gold Coast. Generous relocation support available.
• A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful candidate at the point of offer, including 17% superannuation.

Find out more about working at SCU by visiting Why Work at SCU.

Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description by the closing date. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website. If you experience difficulties applying online or need reasonable adjustments at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know by contacting [email protected].  

Job applicants must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or currently hold a visa with ongoing work rights in Australia. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Closing Date: 11.30pm AEST, Monday 15 April 2024

Southern Cross University is committed to ensuring that the University reflects the rich diversity across the region in which the University’s campuses are located.

The University encourages applications from people of all ages, women, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, people living with disabilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people who openly identify as LGBTQI+.

We encourage applications from people with disability and will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.

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