Job Description

• Based at our Geelong, Waurn Ponds Campus + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and fixed-term until 30/06/2027
• HEW 7 $105,933 - $116,643 + 17% Superannuation

Why work with us?

At Deakin, you’ll be part of an inclusive, supportive culture where your contribution is valued and your wellbeing matters. With access to ongoing learning and development opportunities, you’ll be empowered to grow your career and make a meaningful impact in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including generous parental leave, the option to purchase additional leave, and flexible working arrangements to support your work-life balance, so you can thrive both professionally and personally.

As a Research Accountant you will:

• Partner with academic researchers and specialist finance teams to deliver high-quality financial management and advice across research projects.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, including budget allocations/variations, revenue tracking, and expenditure forecasting and monitoring across multiple funding streams.
• Analyse financial performance and provide regular variance reporting, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and maintain strong financial control.
• Deliver clear, practical financial guidance to stakeholders, translating complex financial information into actionable insights.
• Lead and support process improvement initiatives to enhance financial systems and processes, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and best-practice standards.
• Develop tailored financial recommendations and solutions aligned with stakeholder needs and organisational strategy.

To be successful, you’ll have:

• An equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training
• Certified Practising Accountant / Chartered Accountant (or studying towards completion) is desired
• Experience at a senior administrative level in financial administration and related activities, preferably in a University or other large organisation with complex administrative structures, policies and procedures
• Relevant experience in the preparation and monitoring of complex budgets and performance reports
• Research grant/contract financial management experience is highly desired

Here's how to apply:

Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Jacinta Smith (Senior Manager, Research Finance) on jacinta.smith@deakin.edu.au.

For a copy of the position description, please see below:

PD Accountant Research HEW 7.pdf

Applications for this position close on 27th May 2026.

Are You Ready?

Deakin is a Victorian university with a global impact. We are an agile, dynamic, and innovative university committed to making a positive impact through our excellence in education, research and innovation and the contributions we make to the wider community.

We understand that our reputation has been built on the dedication and expertise of our staff and we offer a dynamic and diverse working environment with opportunities to grow and develop careers. We believe that a progressive, thriving culture will ensure that people choose to come, and stay at Deakin and contribute to our ongoing success.

We value diversity and aim to build an inclusive environment that champions, embraces and respects differences. We support and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people of all abilities, cultures, sexual orientation, and genders.

Pre-employment safety and suitability checks: In accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, appointment to this role is subject to successful completion of relevant pre-employment checks, including Working With Children Checks and candidate gender-based violence declarations.

Candidates may be asked to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender‑based Violence, or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender‑based Violence during the course of their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process. A declaration is not required from individuals who have experienced gender‑based violence. A ‘Yes’ response does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment, and any information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for relevance to the role and the University’s safety obligations.