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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.