Role type: Full time; Continuing
Department: Office of the DVC Research
Salary: UOM7 - $111,275 - $120,453 p.a. plus 17% super
Influential research finance specialist role / ensure compliant, transparent use of external funding / mentor and uplift accounting practice
Bring your advanced accounting expertise to strengthen research impact and apply now to shape trusted funding stewardship.
Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.
The University of Melbourne
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.
Your next career opportunity
You will lead acquittals and audit reporting that ensure research funding is compliant, transparent and trusted. You will mentor colleagues and collaborate with Faculties to optimise project finance management across diverse funding schemes.
What you will deliver:
Provide guidance, training and day-to-day oversight to Financial Accountant (Research) within the team.
Working closely with the External Research Assurance and Reporting lead and the Senior Manager on budgets and forecasts
Take the lead on institutional audits such as Uniform Guidance, and HERDC
Lead timely preparation, reconciliation and submission of research funding acquittals and audit reports to required standards for more complex submissions.
Interpret complex funding agreements, policies and scheme rules to ensure accurate accounting and compliant financial reporting.
Partner with Grants & Contracts and Faculty stakeholders to improve project financial management practices and governance.
Champion continuous improvement by reviewing processes, identifying optimisation opportunities and supporting innovation in Research Finance.
You may be a great fit if:
Hold a relevant business degree and CA, CPA or equivalent formal accounting qualification.
Bring substantial experience in multi-source reconciliations, variance resolution, financial statements, acquittals and audit processes.
Demonstrate advanced Excel and financial modelling skills, with strength interpreting complex data for diverse stakeholders.
Communicate complex financial information clearly to clients with limited accounting knowledge, building strong working relationships.
Operate independently while coordinating team efforts, showing sound judgement, flexibility and comfort in evolving environments.
Contribute to high-performance cultures and engage in process mapping, review and reengineering for continuous improvement.
For further information please refer to the attached PD.
What we offer you!
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:
Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program
For more information check out our benefits page!
Your new team – “Research Finance”
Research Finance sits within Research, Innovation and Commercialisation, a specialist team enabling the University’s research mission. You will join a collaborative group that provides end-to-end financial support across the research project lifecycle. The team values service excellence, big-picture thinking, attention to detail and creating a positive, supportive workplace.
Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.
We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [email protected]
Application essentials:
Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.
You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.
Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.
Want to know more?
For queries related to this specific position, contact Connie Killey at [email protected]
For questions related to our recruitment process email Alessandro Storani at [email protected]
For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').
Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.
Applications close: Sunday 13 September 2026 - 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.
Position Description:
PD_JR-016965 Senior Financial Accountant (Research).pdf
PD_JR-016965 Senior Financial Accountant (Research).docx
Skills Required
- Relevant business degree
- CA, CPA, or equivalent formal accounting qualification
- Substantial experience with multi-source reconciliations, variance resolution, financial statements, acquittals, and audit processes
- Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills
- Ability to interpret complex financial data and communicate financial information clearly to stakeholders with limited accounting knowledge
- Ability to work independently, coordinate team efforts, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to evolving environments
- Experience contributing to high-performance cultures and performing process mapping, review, and reengineering
- Current valid work rights for Australia
- Working with Children Check
What We Do
The University of Melbourne is a leading public research university that makes distinctive contributions to society in research, learning, teaching, and engagement.
