Chief Financial Officer

The University of Newcastle; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 280,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Newcastle is seeking a distinguished Chief Financial Officer to join its senior leadership team and steer financial strategy across the institution. The CFO will lead Financial Services, provide expert advice to Executive, Council and leadership on planning, performance and governance.

The role focuses on long-term sustainability, treasury, procurement, budgeting, and financial systems with a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Job description

The University of Newcastle – Newcastle NSW

The University of Newcastle is a top 1% global institution, recognised for its leadership in equity, access and community impact. The University is distinctive in its strong commitment to serving its regions, bringing people to higher education who have not traditionally accessed it, and partnering across communities to deliver meaningful, place-based outcomes.

Guided by its Looking Ahead 2030 strategy, the University has a clear ambition to be a world-leading university for its regions, driving opportunity, inclusion and transformation locally and nationally.

The University is seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join its senior leadership team and play a pivotal role in shaping the University's future financial sustainability and strategic direction.

The CFO will lead the Financial Services portfolio and provide expert advice to the Executive, Council and broader leadership team on all matters relating to financial strategy, planning and performance. The CFO will drive long-term financial sustainability through strategic planning, rigorous financial governance and the delivery of high-quality financial insights that support informed decision-making across the institution.

The successful candidate will bring exceptional leadership capability, strategic vision and a proven track record of delivering financial performance within large, complex organisations. They will foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement while building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government, industry and community partners.

This opportunity will suit a distinguished finance executive with extensive experience across strategic financial management, treasury, procurement, budgeting, compliance, financial systems and organisational transformation. A relevant tertiary qualification, professional accounting membership and a deep understanding of contemporary financial leadership are essential. Ideally candidates will possess relevant experience from within higher education, or adjacent sectors, combined with a commercial mindset.

This is an outstanding opportunity to influence the direction of one of Australia's leading regional universities.

The University is being supported for this recruitment by the executive search firm, Odgers.

Applications close on Friday 13th November 2026.

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Birpai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. Our Wollotuka Institute Cultural Standards serve as a living framework that maintains cultural integrity and supports Indigenous students, staff, and communities.