Research Finance Officer

Division: Research & Enterprise

Location: Penrith, AU

Contract Type: Full-Time

Job ID: REF1474E

Full-time, ongoing position

Based at Western’s Penrith (Kingswood) campus, with flexible working arrangements

Salary: HEW Level 7 $107,053 – $115,469 per annum, plus 17% Super and Leave Loading

Provide financial insight and support that enables effective research project and HDR funding management.

The Opportunity

As a Research Finance Officer, you will play a central role in supporting Western Sydney University’s research portfolio through the delivery of accurate, compliant, and timely financial administration. Working in the Research Performance team, you will work closely with researchers, HDR teams, Finance, and funding bodies, ensuring financial stewardship that enables high quality, impactful research across the university.

You will manage the lifecycle of research project finances, including budgets, expenditure monitoring, reconciliations, reporting cycles, and compliance requirements. You will also support HDR operations through scholarship forecasting, planning, and the administration of HDR fees, enquiries, payments, and debt remediation processes. Your expertise will contribute to ongoing improvements in financial systems, procedures, and user guidance to enhance financial literacy across the research community.

You will bring strong analytical capability, a solutions-focused mindset, and the ability to interpret policy and funding requirements. This role is well suited to candidates who enjoy partnering with stakeholders and contributing to continuous improvement in the research funding environment.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

Key Outcomes of the role:

Deliver accurate and timely project budgets, expenditure tracking, and financial milestones.
Prepare high quality reports and reconciliations for researchers, HDR teams, and external bodies.
Provide consistent, clear financial advice to researchers, students, and administrators.
Improve processes and support the evolution of financial procedures and systems.
Manage HDR scholarship planning, sponsorship management, and fee administration effectively.

About You

You will bring strong financial administration capability and the ability to support a complex research environment with confidence and accuracy. Specifically, you will demonstrate:

A relevant degree qualification and experience in financial administration.
Knowledge of financial management principles and funding compliance requirements.
Experience working in research, higher education, or complex funding environments.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret policy.
High proficiency in financial systems and Microsoft Excel.
Ability to support stakeholders with varying levels of financial literacy.

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 Gemma Aris, Director Research Performance, via G.aris@westernsydney.edu.au. Please include the job reference code REF1474E.
Closing Date: 11:59pm, Sunday 28 June 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.

ABOUT WESTERN

Western Sydney University was established in 1989, bringing together a number of existing higher education institutions across the region to create a single, unified university for Western Sydney. Founded with a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, the University was designed to expand educational opportunities for one of Australia’s most diverse and rapidly growing regions. Over the years, it has evolved into a world-class institution known for its innovation, research excellence, and focus on equity and social justice—continuing to play a vital role in shaping the future of Greater Western Sydney and beyond.

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