Senior Principal Accountant

Overview

Position: Senior Principal Accountant at The University of Queensland. Department: Finance and Business Services – Contracts & Grants Accounting section. This is a full-time, fixed-term position through to July 2027. Base salary: $115,645 - $129,654 plus 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 8). Location: St Lucia campus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare financial statements and acquittals for external project funding in accordance with contractual obligations; conduct audit transaction reviews and budget-to-actual analyses; liaise with auditors; and support the preparation of the University's annual financial statements and research data reporting.
  
• Analyse and interpret legal award letters and contracts to identify financial clauses and requirements, ensuring accurate recording in UQ's financial system for compliance.
  
• Advise on the integration and implementation of UQ Contract and Grants policies, procedures, and external funding requirements into project financial management.
  
• Provide accounting guidance on resolving complex grant reporting and reconciliation issues.
  

About UQ

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside many of the brightest minds from around the world. Our professional staff contribute to teaching, research and the student life, supporting the academic endeavour and making a lasting impact on our community.

Benefits

• 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave
  
• 17% superannuation contributions
  
• 17.5% annual leave loading
  
• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight
  
• Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family
  
• UQ Study for Staff
  
• On campus childcare options
  
• Cheap parking (from just $5.75 a day)
  
• Salary packaging options
  

About You

• A degree (preferably in Commerce or Business) with substantial relevant experience.
  
• Membership of a professional accounting body (e.g., CPA/CA).
  
• Experience in performing accounting reconciliations and the ability to prepare financial reports (e.g., income and expenditure statements).
  
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyse complex contractual financial requirements and document them for viewing/use/compliance across UQ.
  
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision, exercising sound judgment and ownership, alongside strong organisational skills to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
  
• Working knowledge of transaction auditing processes, accounting standards and their application in reporting processes.
  
• Advanced knowledge of PC-based applications (spreadsheets, databases, email, word processing).
  
• Good interpersonal and written skills, including effective liaison with diverse groups and the ability to write and prepare reports and represent FBS at the University and wider community level.
  

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including right to work in Australia, criminal check, education check, etc.

Mandatory Requirements

• Work Rights: You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.
  
• Background Checks: All final applicants may be asked to consent to a criminal record check. People with criminal records are not automatically barred from applying; each application will be considered on its merits.
  

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Miss Ivy Lee (Senior Manager, Contracts & Grants) via ivy.lee@uq.edu.au. For application queries, contact talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number in the subject line.

Want to Apply

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the 'About You' section
  
• Resume
  

Other Information

UQ is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Accessibility requirements and adjustments can be directed to talent@uq.edu.au. If you are a current employee or hold an unpaid/affiliate appointment, login to your staff Workday account and use the internal careers board to apply for this opportunity. Please do not apply via the external job board.

Applications close

Applications close Sunday 7 September 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-53483).

Position Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
  
• Employment type: Full-time
  
• Job function: Accounting/Auditing and Finance
  
• Industries: Higher Education
  

#J-18808-Ljbffr

---