Director, Financial Control and Compliance

Director, Financial Control and Compliance

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About UNSW
UNSW is a leading research and teaching university known for innovative research and high-quality education outputs with significant global impact. UNSW values a diverse and talented community and is a member of Australia's Group of Eight.

About This Opportunity

You will join UNSW during an exciting period of transformation. This role will contribute to the financial control and compliance framework, identify opportunities for improvement, and drive process efficiencies. You will work closely with assurance functions within UNSW and with sector bodies (e.g., Audit Office NSW and NSW Treasury). The role delivers strategic financial advice to senior leaders and influences policy stances across the sector. You will lead the overall financial control, governance, and compliance strategies for UNSW and its controlled entities, support statutory reporting obligations, and ensure accounting transactions comply with Australian Accounting Standards and relevant guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage financial control, governance, and compliance strategies for UNSW and its controlled entities.
• Support statutory reporting obligations and ensure underlying transactions comply with Australian Accounting Standards and NSW Treasury guidance.
• Provide strategic technical financial advice to senior business leaders; influence policy stances across the sector.
• Collaborate with assurance functions and external bodies (e.g., Audit Office NSW, NSW Treasury).
• Oversee financial reporting, governance, risk management, tax compliance, policy development, and process optimisation.
• Lead teams, develop staff capabilities, and establish internal financial control frameworks for statutory obligations and internal policies.
• Engage in international tax considerations, consolidation of entities, and responses to compliance requirements (ICAC, GIPA, PID).

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification and CA or CPA designation with substantial experience in multi-faceted financial/statutory accounting in a large/complex organisation (Higher Education experience not essential).
• Significant experience in planning and managing statutory audits in large/complex organisations.
• Extensive experience developing and implementing internal financial control frameworks and internal fiscal policies.
• Experience developing and implementing systems and processes for local and international tax compliance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with ability to deliver innovative, timely solutions.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills; able to inform, persuade and negotiate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Proven ability to develop internal business partner services delivering high-quality financial support.
• Extensive team leadership experience and capability development for multi-team performance.
• Knowledge and understanding of the higher education sector.

How to Apply

Submit your CV and Cover Letter detailing your interest and suitability (refer to the skills and experience bullets in the job description) before Sunday 14 September by 11:55pm. Sponsorship is not available; valid Australian working rights are required on application.

Benefits and Culture

UNSW offers flexible working options and a range of benefits, including career development opportunities, eligibility for course discounts, superannuation contributions, and other entitlements.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

UNSW is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from women, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQ+ communities, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Reasonable workplace adjustments are available on request.

Additional Information

Job queries: Kim Symons, Talent Acquisition Consultant – E: Applications should be submitted online.

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