Finance and Business Services - Contracts & Grants Accounting section
Full-time, continuing position
Base salary will be in the range $117,958.12 - 132,247.57 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 8)
Based at our vibrant St Lucia campus
Known locally as the Senior Principal Accountant (SPA), you will provide accurate, timely, and professional accounting and other support to the accounting and external reporting services of the Contract & Grants Accounting Section within Corporate Finance.
Reporting to the Senior Manager of Contract and Grants Accounting, the SPA is responsible for the preparation of financial statements and acquittals in respect of external revenue and capital grant funding received at the University.
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Prepare financial statements and acquittals for external funding, perform audit analysis, coordinate with auditors, and assist with the University's annual financial statements and research data reporting.
Maintain the Grants Module in UniFi, including project maintenance, exception report correction, and inputting financial requirements.
Provide strategic support on grant reporting, research accounting, and integration of policies, advising on complex grant reporting and reconciliation.
Analyse and interpret legal award letters and contracts to identify financial clauses and requirements, recording findings in UQ's financial system to ensure compliance.
A degree (preferably in Commerce or Business) with substantial relevant experience.
Membership of a professional accounting body (e.g., CPA/ICA).
Experience in in performing accounting reconciliations and the ability to prepare financial reports e.g., income and expenditure statements.
Advanced knowledge of common PC based applications, e.g., spreadsheets, databases, email, and word processing.
Good interpersonal and written skills including effective liaison and consultative skills, the ability to write and prepare reports and communicate effectively with diverse groups, as well as represent and promote FBS at the University and wider community level, including Industry, Government, and professional bodies.
Proven organisational skills and demonstrated ability to meet schedules and tight deadlines on a consistent basis.
Working knowledge of transaction auditing processes, accounting standards and their application in reporting processes.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyse complex contractual financial requirements and document them for viewing/use/compliance across UQ.
As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.
Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, flexible and hybrid working options, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on‑campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Ivy Lee, Senior Manager, Contracts & Grants at ivy.lee@uq.edu.au For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarizing how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section.
Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, professional registration, and criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.
We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.
Applications close Sunday 7 June 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-65189).
