The Opportunity
The Senior Finance Officer provides the accounting, financial reporting and analytical support that underpins ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Computer Performance & Integration (QPI) operations, delivering accurate, timely financial information to the Centre Director, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Executive Committee. The Senior Finance Officer sits within the QPI Operations Team and acts as the Centre's central point of contact on financial matters, working closely with university finance teams, node finance staff across all eight Centre nodes, and other QPI Professional Staff to ensure financial information is accurate, current and fit to support QPI's strategic and operational decision-making. The Senior Finance Officer reports to the Chief Operating Officer and has no direct reports. This is a part-time role of 0.5 FTE (17.5 hours per week). We welcome applications from people seeking part-time work for any reason, including those balancing caring responsibilities, study or other professional commitments, and we are open to discussing how the hours are arranged across the week.
- Salary, Level 7: $118,483 - $128,233 per annum + 17% superannuation (Pro Rata)
- Employment type: Part Time (17.5 hours)
- Appointment type: Fixed-term contract – 3 years
- Location: Kensington – Sydney, Australia
About UNSW
UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re one of the top 50 universities in the world and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.
About QPI
The ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computer Performance and Integration (QPI) is a newly established national research centre bringing together researchers, students and industry partners to advance useful quantum computing while building the capability and culture that will shape Australia’s quantum future. Hosted at UNSW Sydney within the Faculty of Engineering, QPI spans eight Australian university nodes: UNSW, the University of Sydney, the University of Technology Sydney, the Australian National University, Griffith University, the University of Queensland, RMIT University and the University of Melbourne. The Centre also works with government agencies, research organisations and industry partners across the quantum computing sector.
The Centre is led by a Director and three Deputy Directors, each responsible for one of QPI’s priority areas: Research Excellence, People & Culture, and Innovation & Translation. For more information on the Centre, visit: https://www.qpi.org.au
Alongside its research objectives, QPI is committed to shaping the culture of Australia’s emerging quantum technology workforce: training a new generation of quantum research leaders, embedding equity and inclusion at every level of the Centre, and fostering a culture of scientific integrity and collaborative practice across the program.
Skills and Experience
- A degree in accounting, finance, commerce or a related discipline, and subsequent relevant experience, or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced.
- Demonstrated experience in financial and management accounting, budgeting and financial reporting, including managing budgets and consolidated reporting across multiple cost centres, entities or funding sources.
- Sound knowledge of accounting principles, financial systems and reporting processes, including experience with large, computerised accounting or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
- Well-developed analytical skills, with the ability to interpret financial data and provide clear, timely financial analysis to senior stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently and manage a varied and complex workload, while contributing effectively to a geographically distributed team.
Desirable (not required to apply):
- CPA, CA or equivalent professional accounting qualification (or working towards).
- Experience working within an ARC Centre of Excellence, Cooperative Research Centre or similar multi-institutional research collaboration.
- Familiarity with Australian Research Council funding rules, reporting and compliance requirements.
- Experience with UNSW’s financial management systems.
- Experience providing a financial management service on a part-time or fractional basis across multiple internal stakeholders.
Additional details about the specific responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description. This is available via JOBS@UNSW.
We recognise that there is no single pathway to success in this role. We welcome applicants with experience gained in universities, research organisations, industry, government or the not-for-profit sector. Experience in professional services, public sector finance, grant-funded organisations or multi-entity businesses is as relevant as university experience, and familiarity with ARC requirements can be developed in the role. If you don’t meet every criterion but believe believe your experience could contribute to QPI’s success, we encourage you to apply.
Benefits and Culture:
UNSW offers a competitive salary and access to a plethora of UNSW-perks including:
- 17% Superannuation and leave loading (pro rata)
- Flexible working/Hybrid working
- Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
- Access to lifelong learning and career development
- Paid parental leave
More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.
To Apply:
Please click the “Apply Now” button and submit your CV and Cover Letter
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. To be considered, applicants must have full working rights in Australia and be able to work on-site at our Kensington campus. Please note applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed below.
Contact:
For role-specific inquiries, please contact Monica Brockmyre (Chief Operating Officer)
E: m.brockmyre@unsw.edu.au
For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Allyssar Hamoud (Talent Acquisition Associate)
E: a.hamoud@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: 11:55 pm (Sydney time) on Sunday 29 November 2026
As part of our recruitment process, candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment screening, which may include reference checks, qualification verification, right-to-work verification, and criminal history screening where relevant to the role.
UNSW is committed to evolving a culture that embraces equity and supports a diverse and inclusive community where everyone can participate fairly, in a safe and respectful environment. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage applications from people of diverse gender, sexual orientation, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background, people with disability and those with caring and family responsibilities. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
