Lead, Financial Accounting

• Based at our Melbourne, Burwood Campus + hybrid work arrangements
• Full-time and fixed-term until the end of July 2027
• $143,627 - $152,229 (HEW 9) + 17% Superannuation

Benefits for working with us!

At Deakin, we offer more than just a job - we offer a lifestyle. Across our campuses in Geelong, Melbourne, and regional Victoria, you’ll find everything you need to thrive: on-site childcare, gyms, medical centres, cafes, accessible public transport, and convenient parking. Enjoy flexible working arrangements that support your work-life balance, generous leave entitlements including extended parental leave and the option to purchase additional time off, plus a wide range of staff discounts on travel and more. Our health and wellbeing services, ongoing professional development opportunities, and inclusive, supportive culture make Deakin a place where you can grow - whether you're working remotely or immersed in the vibrant energy of campus life.

About the team and role:

Financial Control have responsibility for assuring confidence in financial management by ensuring compliance with our statutory and regulatory obligations and taxation obligations. The team provide leadership in financial accounting, treasury, and investment management and business asset management, ensuring robust financial governance and supporting informed decision-making across the University

The Lead, Financial Accounting provides expert accounting leadership and operational support across the University, its controlled entities and international campuses, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, legislation and organisational policies. The role oversees core financial accounting activities, statutory and external reporting obligations, and the preparation of accurate financial information that underpins governance, regulatory compliance and informed decision‑making. Operating with a high level of independence, the position manages year‑end financial reporting processes, maintains records of assets, liabilities and financial performance, and ensures the integrity and accuracy of financial data through robust reconciliations, journals and adherence to accounting standards.

As a Lead, Financial Accounting, you will:

• Provide expert accounting leadership across the University, controlled entities and international campuses.
• Oversee financial accounting and reporting, including year-end processes, statutory reporting, reconciliations, journals and financial data integrity.
• Ensure regulatory and accounting compliance by interpreting legislation, standards, policies and government requirements.
• Lead audit and external reporting activities, coordinating auditors, audit timelines, memoranda, government reports and funding acquittals.
• Support governance and continuous improvement through high-quality reporting, governance papers, and enhancements to financial processes, systems and policies.                                                

To be successful, you’ll have:

• Postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience; or equivalent combination of experience and/or education/training
• Completed Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA) or Certified Practicing Accountants Australia (CPA)
• Previous experience at a senior level in finance, preferably in a university or other large complex organisation
• A high level of computer literacy skills
• An ability to adapt to changing environments and systems

Here's how to apply: 

Only people with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.

Please submit your updated resume and a short cover letter outlining your skills and experience by clicking ‘Apply Now’.

For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Celeste Saldaneri (Director, Financial Control) on celeste.saldaneri@deakin.edu.au

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

 Lead, Financial Accounting_HEW 9.pdf

Applications for this position close on Monday, 21 September 2026 at 11:55pm.

 

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.