Head of Financial Control

Company Description

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why. 
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them. 

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence. 

Job Description

About the Opportunity 

As a key member of the Finance Senior Leadership Team, this role provides strategic leadership across financial reporting, financial control, treasury, tax, financial assurance, and research accounting functions. Reporting to the CFO, the Head of Financial Control delivers trusted financial advice to senior executives, supports informed decision-making, and ensures strong governance, compliance, and financial stewardship across the University.

Leading a diverse team, the role is responsible for statutory financial reporting, treasury management, including a significant investment portfolio, and maintaining a robust financial control environment. The position also drives continuous improvement, strengthens financial systems and processes, and fosters a high-performance culture that supports the University's strategic objectives.

As a critical leadership role, the incumbent plays a key part in safeguarding the University's fraud and corruption control framework, ensuring effective governance, risk management, and financial integrity across the institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop high-performing teams across Financial Management, Treasury, Tax, Financial Assurance, and Research Accounting.
• Foster a collaborative, customer-focused culture that drives excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Provide strategic leadership, coaching, and direction while building strong relationships across the University.

• Oversee the University's financial control framework, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, legislation, and internal policies.
• Lead statutory financial reporting, audit management, financial assurance activities, and governance reporting.
• Maintain the integrity, accuracy, and reliability of the University's financial systems, processes, and reporting.

• Partner with senior executives to provide expert advice on complex financial, accounting, treasury, tax, and commercial matters.
• Lead treasury operations, including investment, cashflow, borrowing, and balance sheet management.
• Manage key external relationships, including auditors, banking and investment partners, and professional advisors.
• Support strategic initiatives and special projects that contribute to the University's long-term success.

• Strengthen financial risk management, fraud prevention, and assurance frameworks across the University.
• Ensure a robust control environment that supports sound decision-making, accountability, and financial sustainability.

About you

• The occupant of this position will hold relevant tertiary qualifications, preferably at postgraduate level, and substantial relevant work experience. 
• Membership of a professional accredited accounting organisation such as CA,or CPA  is mandatory.

Candidates must have full unrestricted Australian work rights and may be subject to a National criminal history check. Sponsorship is not available for this role. 

What we can offer
This is a full time, fixed term opportunity for 5 years primarily based Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site university, you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith University’s sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary

A competitive salary will be negotiated with the preferred candidate.

Additional Information

Why join Griffith? 
 
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer: 

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities 

• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment 

• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts 

• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading 

• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme 

• Opportunities for internal mobility 

• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities 

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy. 

How to apply 

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following: 

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role please refer to the qualifications above and the position description.

• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details 

For application and recruitment advice please reach out to Laura Whitworth, Talent Acquisition Partner on [email protected]

Closing date: Thursday 10th September at 11:59pm. All applications must be submitted online.

We kindly ask recruitment agencies not to send unsolicited CVs or approach members of our hiring team regarding this role, as the recruitment process is being managed internally.