University of Southern Queensland
is now recruiting for
Chief Financial Officer
Applications for this role close midnight, Tuesday 29th September 2026
Overview
At the University of Southern Queensland, our mission is to deliver impactful research and exceptional education that enriches and supports communities across our region.
To continue fulfilling our mission, we must adapt to global trends and sector-wide challenges. This includes reviewing our operations to ensure that UniSQ is positioned for long-term success, enabling us to provide a dynamic, innovative university experience well into the future.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to high-quality teaching and learning, world-class research, and deep engagement with industry and the community. Over the past five years, UniSQ has invested more than $60 million into high-impact, strategic initiatives that directly benefit our students, staff, and research efforts.
These investments include:
$23 million to enhance student learning outcomes and the design and delivery of curriculum
$9.5 million in developing new, high-demand degrees
$10 million to build and strengthen our research capability
$13 million for state-of-the-art teaching spaces, including laboratories
$5 million to improve staff and student amenities.
These investments have already made a significant impact. They have accelerated our research performance, provided our students and staff with access to modern learning, teaching, and social spaces, and supported the launch of a new flexible academic calendar that is improving student load density.
Additionally, we have refreshed and developed degree programs, including launching a suite of high-demand allied health degrees at our Ipswich and Toowoomba campuses. This ensures that UniSQ continues to meet the evolving needs of both our students and the broader community.
The success of our university is built on the dedication and wellbeing of our staff and students. We are actively working to support, listen to, and engage with them throughout this period of change.
By working together, we will continue to drive excellence in research, enhance the student experience, and strengthen our connections with industry and the community.
About the Role
Chief Financial Officer
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key strategic leader responsible for delivering future-focused financial management, strategic procurement, business services, business solutions and advisory functions that support the long-term sustainability, performance and success of the University.
As a trusted adviser to the Vice-Chancellor's Executive, Council and senior leaders, the CFO provides strategic financial leadership to support informed decision-making, sustainable growth and the achievement of the University's strategic objectives. The role also leads the University's approach to strategic sourcing, procurement governance and business service optimisation to maximise value, efficiency and organisational capability.
The CFO is responsible for the stewardship of the University's financial resources and oversees financial planning and analysis, financial operations, commercial activities, statutory financial reporting, taxation, treasury management, business solutions, procurement and financial compliance. The role ensures the University maintains strong financial governance frameworks, meets all legislative and regulatory obligations, and has the financial capacity to deliver on its strategic priorities.
The CFO manages the University's commercial and financial risk profile, driving continuous improvement in financial performance, business processes and service delivery. As the University's principal financial authority, the CFO provides expert leadership on matters relating to financial sustainability, investment, resource allocation, financial governance and business transformation.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the CFO provides high-level strategic advice and support to Council, its Standing Committees, the Vice-Chancellor's Executive and University committees. Through strong leadership and collaboration, the CFO contributes to organisational excellence, financial resilience and the long-term sustainability of the University.
What You’ll be Doing
Strategic Financial Leadership and Sustainability
Lead the development and delivery of University and Finance, Procurement & Business Services strategies, objectives, initiatives and projects that support the University's strategic priorities, financial sustainability and organisational performance.
Provide strategic financial, commercial and business advice to the Vice-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor's Executive, Council and senior leaders to support informed decision-making, sustainable growth and achievement of institutional objectives.
Provide expert commercial analysis and advice on major investments, business opportunities, partnerships and strategic initiatives, including assessments of financial viability, value creation and risk.
Financial Stewardship, Governance and Risk Management
Lead the University's financial stewardship framework, ensuring the responsible management of public resources, strong financial governance, effective controls and compliance with all legislative, regulatory and reporting obligations.
Exercise leadership in the identification, assessment and management of financial, commercial and compliance risks, ensuring strategies are aligned with the University's risk appetite and governance requirements.
Oversee the preparation and presentation of financial reports, statutory financial statements, taxation, treasury and related reporting obligations for Council, its Standing Committees, regulators and other stakeholders.
Develop, maintain and continuously improve financial policies, frameworks and procedures that support effective governance, risk management and service delivery.
Financial Planning, Resource Allocation and Performance
Lead the University's financial planning and resource allocation processes, including annual operating and capital budgets, multi-year financial forecasts and long-term financial modelling to support the Strategic Plan.
Monitor organisational financial performance and provide strategic analysis, insights and recommendations to improve financial outcomes and support evidence-based decision-making.
Procurement, Business Services and Business Solutions
Provide strategic leadership of procurement, business services and business solutions functions to ensure efficient, customer-focused and value-driven service delivery across the University.
Oversee the University's strategic sourcing and procurement activities, ensuring the achievement of value for money, ethical procurement practices, sound governance and effective supplier management.
Drive business improvement, process optimisation, digital transformation and innovation initiatives that enhance organisational effectiveness and client experience.
Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Partnerships
Build and sustain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, acting as a trusted adviser and strategic partner across the University and broader sector.
Represent the University on relevant external forums, committees and partnerships as required.
Leadership and People Development
Lead and develop a high-performing Finance, Procurement & Business Services portfolio, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, continuous improvement, service excellence and collaboration.
Implement effective workforce planning, succession planning and capability development strategies to ensure the portfolio can meet the University's future needs.
Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the UniSQ People Capability Framework and the University's values of Respect, Integrity and Excellence.
What Success Looks Like
Professional Qualifications and Technical Expertise
Postgraduate qualifications in Commerce, Accounting, Finance, Business or a related discipline, together with professional membership of CA ANZ, CPA Australia or an equivalent professional body; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education.
Extensive senior leadership experience in financial management within a large, complex organisation, with responsibility for financial operations, planning, governance, compliance and reporting.
Strategic Leadership and Business Acumen
Demonstrated success in developing and implementing long-term financial, commercial and organisational strategies that improve performance and support sustainable outcomes.
Proven ability to provide high-level strategic financial, commercial and business advice to executive leaders, boards or governing bodies.
Demonstrated expertise in evaluating business opportunities, investments and complex commercial decisions through rigorous financial analysis and risk assessment.
Financial Governance, Risk and Compliance
Extensive experience in financial governance, statutory reporting, compliance, treasury, taxation, risk management and stewardship of public resources.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain robust financial controls, governance frameworks and assurance processes.
Procurement, Business Services and Transformation Leadership
Demonstrated experience leading procurement, business services, business partnering or business transformation functions, with a focus on service excellence, value creation and continuous improvement.
Proven ability to drive organisational change, innovation, process optimisation and technology-enabled business improvements.
Stakeholder Engagement and People Leadership
Highly developed interpersonal, communication and influencing skills, with a proven ability to build trusted relationships and partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders.
Demonstrated success in leading, developing and empowering high-performing teams, including the leadership of senior managers and professional specialists.
Demonstrated commitment to customer-centred service delivery and the ability to build collaborative partnerships that achieve strategic outcomes.
Alignment with the University's values of Respect, Integrity and Excellence.
How to Apply
To be considered, please provide the following information in your online application, for the assessment of your suitability:
A short (no more than two pages) statement focusing on how you align with the core accountabilities outlined in the position description
Your current CV highlighting your relevant experience, qualifications, and achievements.
If you need assistance with your application please reach out to us.
Applications for this role close midnight, Tuesday 29th September 2026
Useful Links
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Executive Leadership
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Living in Brisbane
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Living in Queensland
Confidential Enquiries
JANE ELLIS
Managing Partner, Executive & Boards
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