Manager of Finance Business Partners

Commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications

At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you.

A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it’s about the heart, connectedness and community you’d hope for in a regional university. But there’s also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale. This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you.

You can be good anywhere. Here, you can be great.

Your opportunity Financial Performance operates within the VP Finance portfolio and supports the University’s objectives and strategic directions by providing leadership on financial performance and management. Financial Performance provides reliable accurate and timely information relating to financial performance to the University Council, the Executive team and managers of all business units, and facilitates the University’s budget and forecasting processes that include profit, capital expenditure and cashflow elements.

Southern Cross University is seeking a strategic and commercially astute finance leader to head our Finance Business Partnering function. Reporting to the Director, Financial Performance, you will lead a team of specialists who partner with Executives and senior leaders to deliver insights that drive performance, inform strategy and strengthen financial sustainability.

This is a high-impact leadership role where you will shape decision-making at scale, enhance financial governance and embed a proactive, client-focused business partnering model across the University.

Responsibilities You will make an impact by:

Leading a well-established and high-performing Finance Business Partner team to deliver trusted, strategic advice to senior leaders

Partnering with the Financial Performance data and analytics team to deliver reporting that is focused and provides actionable insights

Driving improved budget management, forecasting accuracy and financial sustainability

Strengthening governance, controls and risk management across portfolios

Embedding continuous improvement and innovation in financial processes and reporting

Assisting the Director, Financial Performance and VP Finance with reporting to our external Finance Committee and University Council

Working collaboratively with the wider Finance team on standard reporting processes (month end, annual report)

What you will bring You are a commercially astute finance leader, with CPA or CAANZ membership and extensive experience partnering with senior executives to influence performance and decision‑making. You bring strong leadership capability, advanced financial planning and analytics expertise, and the ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights.

You are confident operating in complex environments, committed to strong governance and continuous improvement, and build trusted relationships through clear communication, collaboration and credibility.

Requirements To succeed in this role, you will also need:

Proven experience communicating effectively with Executives and influencing strategic financial outcomes

Strong leadership capability with a track record of building high‑performing teams

Advanced financial planning, reporting and analytics expertise (ERP and BI systems), and willingness to engage with AI functionality

Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to communicate complex insights clearly

It’s not essential, but we’d love it if you had experience within Higher Education or another large, complex organisation where you have supported enterprise‑wide operations.

Why Southern Cross University SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you’ll find more exposure, opportunity and ownership – to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you’ll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. A career with us is about more than just work. It’s about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we’re integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world, in an organisation that focuses on purpose, as well as financial sustainability.

Details Your opportunity is:

Full‑time, continuing (permanent)

Located at either our Gold Coast campus, or Lismore campuses. Relocation assistance is available, making it easier to join our regional communities.

The level of appointment will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, skills and experience.

You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work‑life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it’s like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University?

Applications Applications close 11.30pm AEDT 23 March 2026.

Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

To view the full position advertisement and details of the application process, please click on the APPLY button where you will be redirected to the Southern Cross University website. Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website.

Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate. For any support through the recruitment process reach out to jobs@scu.edu.au.

Be more with Southern Cross University today Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information.

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