Job Description

• Full-time, ongoing position at HEW level 9
• Penrith campus with flexible working arrangements.
• Salary: $137,681 – $147,032 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading.

Lead strategic financial partnering, planning and insight to support sound decisions and performance across the University.

The Opportunity

You will lead strategic financial partnering across designated University portfolios, providing senior leaders with clear advice on financial strategy, risk and performance. You will translate complex financial data into practical insights that support evidence-based decisions and alignment with University priorities.

You will oversee budgets and forecasts, strengthen financial planning and reporting, and develop models and tools for scenario planning and performance evaluation. Using systems including TM1, GLwand and Oracle, you will improve the accuracy, consistency and value of financial information available to client areas.

You will contribute financial leadership to major projects and change initiatives while building financial capability across the University. As a senior member of Finance and Procurement, you will guide and mentor finance staff, represent Finance on committees and working groups, and strengthen financial discipline, accountability and service quality.

What Success Looks Like:

• Deliver strategic financial plans and analysis aligned with University priorities.
• Provide senior leaders with timely advice on financial strategy, risk and performance.
• Produce accurate and insightful budgets, forecasts, models and reporting tools.
• Embed effective financial processes, controls and accountability across client areas.
• Build financial capability while supporting finance staff development and performance.

Please refer to the for full details.

About You

• Postgraduate qualifications in Accounting, Finance or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive experience in financial strategy, planning and business partnering within a complex organisation.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate financial information into strategic insight.
• Advanced proficiency in financial systems and tools such as TM1, GLwand and Oracle.
• Strong knowledge of Australian Accounting Standards and public sector financial frameworks, supported by experience leading finance teams.

Benefits

We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Hiring Manager Mario Milanovic, Executive Director- Financial Planning and Strategy via m.milanovic@westernsydney.edu.au Please include the job reference code REF1790K
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 13th September 2026
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addressing the key qualifications, experiences and skills required for this position.

Belonging at Western

We are committed to substantive equality as outlined in our Equal Opportunity Policy We actively encourage applications from Indigenous Australians, candidates of all gender identities and expressions, people of all abilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

For Reasonable Adjustments during the application process, please contact talentacquisitionteam@westernsydney.edu.au

About Western

This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger. By joining Western Sydney University, you become a valued member of our community. As our region changes, so too does our university. Western is boldly different, energetic, global, diverse, dynamic, and youthful.

Our mission is to deliver student success, impactful research, and stronger communities. As part of our team, you will have a stake in shaping the future of education, broadening horizons, and changing lives. Making a difference starts at Western.

For the latest please visit our website and LinkedIn