Research Finance Lead

Job Reference:

About the Role: 

We're offering an exciting opportunity to join the Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) as a Research Finance Lead in supporting the nationally significant Analytics for the Australian Grains Industry (AAGI) project.

In this role you will be working closely with AAGI's national Strategic Partners, including the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), in leading the co-ordination and delivery of research finance and reporting obligations. You will bring a new approach to delivering broader research support activities, by collaborating with the AAGI team to ensure the project meets its strategic objectives.

Your primary responsibilities will include but are not limited to: 

• Provide expert financial and research process support to AAGI strategic partners and project leads.
• Monitor partner contributions and project budgets, ensuring alignment with the Annual Operating Plan and timelines.
• Lead financial oversight across the project lifecycle - from proposal development to reporting, variations, and closure.
• Coordinate financial, project, IPPO, and data reporting from partners for Executive Reports.
• Support budget development and financial reporting in collaboration with GRDC, strategic partners, and the AAGI Director.
• Undertake additional duties consistent with the scope of the role.

Who we are looking for - Selection Criteria: 

Essential:

1. Completion of a relevant degree with considerable relevant experience in financial management within a research or tertiary context; or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
2. Highly developed financial management, reporting and monitoring skills.
3. Demonstrated experience in a computerised financial system environment, including Excel and data interrogation and presentation skills.
4. Demonstrated planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deliverables in a dynamic environment.
5. Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret financial information and make recommendations.
6. Well-developed written communication skills with the ability to articulate and present information clearly and professionally.
7. Well-developed interpersonal and oral communication skills with the ability to consult and liaise with a wide variety of stakeholders.
8. Demonstrated ability to work independently, with limited direction as well as effectively with others in a diverse team.

Desirable:

1. Experience in a tertiary education environment.
2. Working towards/near completion of full membership of an internationally recognised accounting body.

Role Requirements:

1. As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role.
2. Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin's satisfaction.

Your new Team - CCDM:

CCDM is a national research hub based at Curtin University, focused on improving crop resilience and productivity through innovative disease management strategies. A key initiative within CCDM is the AAGI project, which brings together strategic partners, including the GRDC, to deliver data-driven insights and solutions for the grains sector. This collaborative, high-impact research environment offers a unique opportunity to contribute to projects that support Australia's agricultural future and global food security.

About Curtin University 

Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2024 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page -   

What We Offer You: 

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.  

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit   

Join Us 

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW ensuring to attach the following documents: 

• Up to date resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and demonstrating how your background meets the position's selection criteria (noted above) - no more than two pages

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on or option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.

Applications close: Friday, 31 October 2025

Disclaimer: Please note that there is no standardised time for the closing of adverts on the specified date. Therefore, we recommend submitting your application ahead of this deadline. Late applications will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted. 

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.  

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.