Accounts Payable Manager

Macquarie University's Finance Shared Services team is looking for an experienced Accounts Payable Manager to lead our centralised Accounts Payable (AP) function across the University and its Controlled Entities, including Macquarie University Health and the hospital.

• Base salary from $147,124 - $155,386 per annum (HEW Level 9), plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Full-time, continuing role with hybrid working arrangements
• Based at Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of an end-to-end AP function in a complex, multi-entity environment and make a tangible difference to how the University pays its people, students and suppliers.


About the Role
The role engages stakeholders across the full spectrum of the University Group, across all operational teams, as well as external vendors, service providers and audit teams. You will manage queries through tickets, phone calls and Teams, and switch confidently between multiple systems such as Technology One suite of products, Basware, Sage, and Concur.

Reporting to the Director, Finance Shared Services, and leading a team of eight, you will oversee the full AP lifecycle across a large, multi-entity group operating on multiple finance platforms, all while maintaining controls and public accountability. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Managing, prioritising and setting direction for the AP function, ensuring adherence to University and Group policies, accounting controls are adhered to while minimising the risk of fraud.
• Overseeing all AP activities to ensure timely, accurate payment of vendors and expense invoices, enhancing the end-to-end experience for staff, students and creditors.
• Guiding the development of real-time reporting and analytics to generate actionable insights, identify risks and inform decision-making.
• Guiding end-to-end AP process transformation, including standardisation, simplification and automation of workflows to improve efficiency, scalability and accuracy.
• Building strategic partnerships with stakeholders and defining AP performance frameworks and KPIs to track outcomes and optimise performance.
• Liaising with internal and external auditors on all AP matters across the Group and assessing the impact of legislative and policy changes.
• Lead and empower the AP team through capability development, fostering digital proficiency, process understanding, and financial acumen.
• Encouraging a high-performing, customer-focused and continuous improvement culture centred on service excellence, user experience and innovation.

About Us
Our Finance Shared Services team plays a central part in the smooth running of the University Group, delivering accountable, efficient and value-driven financial operations that support staff, students and partners across every part of our community.

About You
You are an experienced accounts payable professional who understands the full AP lifecycle in a large, multi-entity organisation. You communicate clearly and effectively with stakeholders at every level, from executive and senior leaders through to operational teams, students, external vendors and auditors, and you adapt your approach to suit each audience. You move fluently between multiple finance systems, discern urgency and priority across competing demands, and know when to step in and when to step back to engage the right people at the right time. You bring both operational rigour and a genuine interest in using technology to improve how things are done.

Selection Criteria

• Degree qualification or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training; CPA or equivalent strongly preferred.
• Sound understanding and application of accounting principles and procedures, including the controls around vendor creation, payment authority and purchasing flows.
• Experience leading an Accounts Payable team in a high-volume, complex, shared services environment and helping deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Effective people leader who sets clear direction, builds capability and empowers your team to achieve service excellence, while fostering a high-performing, customer-focused culture.
• Proven experience in leading and executing a technology process improvement project in AP with specified outcomes.
• Experience using multiple complex finance systems within a large organisation, including ERP financial systems and AP and reporting modules (e.g. Finance One, HealthOne, Basware, Sage, and Concur.).
• Demonstrated capability in data-driven reporting and insight generation, including through modern analytics and technologies such as AI and Power BI (desirable).
• Desirable: Understanding of the TechnologyOne suite of products and knowledge of Basware.

*** Please note that this role requires criminal history, credit, and bankruptcy checks.***


How to Apply
To be considered, please apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the selection criteria (above).

Applications Close: 30 August 2026

We reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.


Please note that we are not engaging recruitment agencies for this role and are therefore not accepting agency CVs.


Why Join Us?
Macquarie is a university engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Since our foundation over 60 years ago, we have aspired to be a different type of university. Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community. Connect with us today.

We rank amongst the top employers in the Australian Workplace Employers Index. Explore the fantastic benefits available to you when you become part of the team at Macquarie University.

• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
  
  
• 17% Superannuation
  
  
• Subsidised onsite parking options
  
  
• Extensive training and professional development programs
  
  
• Onsite childcare facilities to support working parents
  
  
• Onsite vacation care during school holidays
  
  
• Discounted health insurance
  
  
• Subsidised membership at our Sport & Aquatic Centre
  
  
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential support
  
  
• Convenient onsite GP, imaging, and physiotherapy clinics

Pre-Employment Checks
Macquarie University cultivates a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity. Prior to completion of an offer of employment, preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

Your employment is conditional upon the completion and maintenance of all role-required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University.

A Place Where You Belong
At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work
At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.