Finance Business Partner (Research) Opportunities

UniSC•UniSC Sunshine Coast, BC

10d•A$105,843 - A$134,756•Onsite

About The Position

UniSC's Financial Services team is seeking finance professionals with expertise in research funding, grants management, and financial compliance to join them in Finance Business Partner, Research and Senior Finance Business Partner, Research roles. These positions provide specialist financial management and advisory support across the research project lifecycle, partnering closely with Chief Investigators and stakeholders to ensure research activities are financially sustainable, compliant, and strategically supported. The roles involve delivering high-quality financial management across a diverse and evolving research environment, from funding applications and project budgeting through to reporting, acquittals, and compliance.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience managing complex or multi-year project budgets and restricted funding arrangements.
Strong understanding of grants management, acquittals, and financial compliance requirements.
The ability to interpret and apply funding agreements, contractual obligations, and reporting requirements.
Experience preparing financial reports, reconciliations, and analysis within a complex organisation.
Strong communication and stakeholder relationship management skills.
Advanced computing skills, including Excel and financial systems experience.
Legal work rights in Australia.

Nice To Haves

CPA qualification
Higher education or research sector experience
Familiarity with Technology One systems
For senior appointments, experience leading teams, overseeing complex research portfolios, and influencing stakeholders at senior levels.

Responsibilities

Partner with Chief Investigators and stakeholders to develop compliant, fully costed funding applications and project budgets.
Provide end-to-end financial management support across research grants and projects, including forecasting, reporting, and acquittals.
Ensure compliance with funding agreements, legislative requirements, accounting standards, and University policy.
Prepare accurate financial reports, reconciliations, and working papers to support internal and external reporting obligations.
Contribute to continuous improvement across research financial systems, frameworks, and processes.
For senior level appointments, provide leadership across the Research Finance function, including team leadership, oversight of complex or high-value grant portfolios, and strategic input into research financial frameworks, methodologies, and capability uplift initiatives.