Job no: 0038361
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Continuing
Department: Office of Research Management (ORM) - Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (RIC) / Chief Financial Officer Group (CFO)
Salary: SM2 competitive salary plus 17% super
- Lead the Research Finance team to support the work of researchers
- Make a positive impact on society through research with the University of Melbourne
- Brilliant benefits and a flexible hybrid work environment!
About the Role
As a key leader in RIC’s Office of Research Management and CFO Group, the Director, Research Finance will oversee operational and strategic development of research finance functions. Reporting to the Executive Director, ORM, and with a dotted line to the CFO, you will be accountable for leading financial operations and change including Project Set Up and Data Assurance, Post Award Finance Support, and Research Accounting areas. provide operational, compliance, and risk management advice.
You will manage the Research Finance team, supervise key operational leaders, and develop a long-term service delivery strategy aligned with RIC’s strategic direction. Use your skills and experience in research finance to support researchers to translate their discoveries into real-world innovation and impact.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supervise, develop and coach (as appropriate) key people leaders across the Research Function, including the Shared Services Manager (Research Finance, MDHS), Managing Consultants (Post Award Finance Support), Manager (Research Accounting), Team Leader (Project Set Up and Data Assurance), and Operations Manager (Research Finance).
- Build effective relationships, working collaboratively and constructively with key stakeholders, and service-users within RIC, the CFO Group, the COO Portfolio, and within the Faculties.
- Lead the development and implementation of innovative new processes, structures, and systems to support more effective financial management across the University’s research business, increased service-user satisfaction, efficiency, and increased accuracy of research finance related data.
- Deputise as appropriate for the Executive Director, Office of Research Management.
Who we are looking for
Are you a highly motivated leader with proven experience driving innovation and service excellence in a complex environment? We seek someone who possesses strong commercial and financial acumen, a deep knowledge of relevant legislation and compliance, and exceptional problem-solving skills. Proven ability to lead and collaborate with a diverse team to achieve organizational goals is essential.
You will also have:
- Tertiary qualifications in relevant discipline with an extensive management and supervisory background in a complex organisation (preferably the Higher Education Sector), or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education.
- Expert understanding of Australia’s research environment.
- Extensive experience managing research finances in a large complex organisation.
- Demonstrated experience with the implementation of an ERP Finance System, in an organisation where research is a priority.
- Extensive experience leading in a complex, service orientated organisation that has a proven track record of effective delivery and service-user satisfaction.
- Proven experience in developing and managing a successful shared service function.
- Strong commercial skills and experience with proven budget and financial management skills.
- High level of knowledge of relevant legislation, compliance requirements, policies, procedures and systems, and a well-developed understanding of the requirements and importance of effective governance, risk management and compliance.
For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements please refer to the attached PD.
This role requires the successful candidate to undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check. This is essential to guarantee a secure environment for all individuals at the University. In the case the selected candidate doesn't have a valid Working with Children Check, they will be able to apply for the WWCC as part of the initial onboarding procedures.
Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.
Your new team – "Research Grants, Contracts and Finance (RGCF) "
Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (RIC) is the central facilitator of research funding in the University, taking advantage of the full diversity of research funding opportunities. RIC is a specialist team dedicated to enabling the University's research and enterprise mission working closely with our academics, professional colleagues, industry partners, funding agencies and government agencies.
RIC is composed of the Office of Research Management (ORM), Innovation and Enterprise (I&E), the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC) and Genesis Pre-Seed Fund. Within ORM is RGCF, Research Ethics and Integrity, and Research Infrastructure. We have a passion to see our academics and their collaboration partners succeed, achieve research excellence and translate their discoveries into real-world innovation and impact. RIC operates University-wide across all nine Faculties and Chancellery.
Chief Financial Officer Group (CFOG)
The CFO Group’s core objective is to ensure the University has the appropriate financial and physical resources to deliver its core academic activities, achieve its strategic ambitions, and be sustainable on an intergenerational basis.
We do this by:
- Developing and implementing financial strategy
- Allocating financial resources efficiently and effectively to strategic and operational goals
- Monitoring, analysing, and assessing financial and business performance and position
- Highlighting risks and opportunities and recommending or implementing actions
- Ensuring value for money in commercial dealings
- Ensuring compliance with relevant financial legislation and obligations .
Both RIC and the CFO Group form part of the Chief Operating Officer Portfolio (COO-P).
What we offer you!
In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services, and discounts on graduate courses. For more information check out our benefits page!
The University of Melbourne
We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. 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 and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.
Be yourself
The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities, and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality, and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.
We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact the employee listed on the first page of the Position Description found below, with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture, and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.
For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring
Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:
- Resume
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.
If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Susan Bradley via email at hr-careers@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.
If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the contact details listed on the Position Description.
Applications close: Friday 25th October 2024 at 10am Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
Internal candidates are encouraged to speak with their managers before applying for the role.
Position Description: 
Director Research Finance PD.pdf
Position Description
