Murdoch University Hiring for Research Finance Team Leader Job at Perth Full Time

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Research Finance Team Leader

Position Number A002931 Level/Classification H0707

Reports to Manager Finance Business Partnering (Colleges & Research)

Unit Financial Performance

Directorate Finance Office

Positions Supervised 4

Position Purpose

As the appointee you will, under broad direction from the Manager, Finance Business Partnering

(Colleges & Research) and in collaboration with the Senior Management Accountant (Research),

be responsible for leading the Finance Officer (Research) team in the delivery of Research

financial management, reporting and advice. You will provide support in the preparation of the

annual budget and forecast, reporting and analysis and be required to partner across multiple

stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach to Research Financial

management.

You will apply a high standard, culture and practice for application of research expenditure and

subsequent financial reporting and acquittals to ensure activity reflects, and is in accordance

with, grant and contract funding rules.

You will also provide support for the ongoing development of the University financial

management approach. The team is committed to providing a quality outcome with a focus on

continuous improvement.

About Murdoch University

Murdoch University helps people discover how to make a difference, through education and

research endeavour, and remains one of the most inclusive universities in the country,

providing students with quality education and recognised academic standing within an

engaging and caring environment. We are a university for all, irrespective of background and

social standing with a focus on social equity, self-direction and freedom of thought and belief.

With a student body of more than 18,000 and over 2,000 employees, the University has 3

campuses in the Perth metro area and Centres in Singapore, Malaysia and Dubai. Murdoch

University is deeply committed to both its immediate local and international regions and has

strong links to government, business and the community.

Our Strategic Plan and Future Horizon 2017-2027 outlines an ambitious blueprint for

development and growth, with a focus on one purpose: to be a creative force for current and

future generations.

We are clear about our two core goals: to educate free thinkers who thrive in society and are

sought after by employers; and, to provide life changing solutions for the world’s big

challenges through our outstanding translational research and innovative practice.

About the Work Area

Finance’s vision is to be a proactive, valued, and trusted business partner supporting the

University’s strategic plan and the team is dedicated to creating a customer focused and

collaborative environment, empowering decision makers in the delivery of innovative

education and research.

Reporting Relationships

Key Responsibilities / Duties

1. Manage the provision of internal Research management financial advice to the University

including analysis, reporting and advice.

2. Manage the preparation of the annual research finance budget and forecast process.

3. Provide support and advice to the Senior Management Accountant (Research), Manager,

Finance Business Partnering (Colleges & Research) and broader Financial Performance team

and manage the preparation and analysis of all financial management reports.

4. Develop trusted and professional networks by partnering with key stakeholders in order to

provide them with any advice and support in relation to Research Finance and ensure

financial initiatives and activities are aligned with strategies and are accurately captured in

the finance budget process.

5. Proactively monitor the financial activities and research financial performance to ensure the

accuracy of the financial records and maintain awareness of present financial status and

management of funds, including research funded capital projects.

6. Responsible for external reporting requirements of research grants and the certification of

research grant financial statements.

7. Assist Senior Management Accountant (Research) with management and reporting of

Strategic Research Funds, including the allocation of research block grants.

8. Monitor all financial processes to ensure compliance with University policies and procedures

and take remedial action where necessary

Mu rdoch University Professional Position

9. Manage and/or mentor a team of Research Finance Officers to provide and deliver a high

quality client service to the University across all aspects of research finance and grant

accounting.

10. Work with the Manager, Finance Business Partnering (Colleges & Research) and Senior

Management Accountant (Research) to ensure an integrated approach to financial

management across the life cycle of the Research grants and that roles and responsibilities

are defined across the team.

11. Contribute to the identification and modelling of desirable team behaviours to achieve a high

level of personal and team performance and a professional approach to team duties.

12. Establish, maintain and develop internal controls, key performance indicators and

documentation relating to team duties in accordance with approved policy and operating

standards.

13. Ensure maintenance of appropriate records in accordance with University record keeping

requirements.

14. Other duties as directed.

Selection Criteria

Essential

1. Relevant tertiary qualification or demonstrated equivalent competency in Accounting,

Finance or related discipline.

2. Substantial management experience in financial planning for large organisations with

multiple funding arrangements.

3. Demonstrated experience and expertise in coordinating, preparing and monitoring complex

consolidated budgets, forecasting and income/expenditure management.

4. Demonstrated experience and expertise in the accounting treatment of long term projects,

including, but not limited to, revenue recognition, milestone invoicing and approval or

expenditure in line with contractual terms and conditions.

5. Substantial experience of successful leadership of people in the workplace and including

building productive and cooperative teams.

6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and high level consultation and

negotiation skills.

7. Excellent planning and organisational skills.

8. Highly developed analytical and report writing skills, with demonstrated experience in

balancing big picture with financial accuracy and attention to detail.

9. Demonstrated ability to work independently, show initiative and achieve results.

10. Proficiency in a range of computing skills including word processing, spreadsheets, and

databases.

Desirable

1. Demonstrated detailed understanding of university financials particularly accounting for

externally funded grants/research activities.

2. Full professional member of a recognized Australian or International equivalent accounting

body.

Mu rdoch University Professional Position

Work Requirements

1. The occupant of this position will be required to undertake a criminal record check in

accordance with the University’s Criminal Record Screening Procedure.

2. Australian residency or possession of a valid visa with work entitlement in Australia.

3. Ability to work outside of normal office hours when required.

Guiding Principles and Values / Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct

The founding principles upon which Murdoch University was established continue unabated

today. We continue to be guided by the principles of:

• Equity and Social Justice
• Opportunity
• Sustainability
• Global Responsibility

These Murdoch principles come to life through our culture as evidenced by being an institution

where the following are clear:

• Integrity
• Respect and Diversity
• Purpose
• Excellence and Future-focus

All staff will comply with the University’s Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct and demonstrate

a commitment to its Equity, Diversity and Safety principles and the general capabilities of

personal effectiveness, working collaboratively and demonstrating a focus on results.

All Staff are to complete a Development Review Annually. Details of the University policies

on Development Review can be accessed here. A Commencing Development Review should

be completed within 3 months of commencement.

Mu rdoch University Professional Position