Chief Financial Officer

Wehi; Victoria; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading medical research institute is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to drive financial strategy and risk management. This pivotal role requires strong leadership and a track record of supporting life-changing medical research. The successful candidate will possess extensive financial leadership experience and a solid understanding of risk frameworks. An inclusive workplace culture is prioritized, with active encouragement for diverse applicants.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Diversity and inclusion commitment

Support for career development

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in senior financial leadership roles, preferably as a CFO.
• Experience in complex grant funded non-profit organisation.
• Track record in financial advice to senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial and risk management functions.
• Drive maturity of the risk management culture.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

Financial strategy

Risk management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Tertiary qualifications in accounting, finance, or business

Professional accounting qualifications (CA/CPA)

Tools

Financial software systems

Risk management tools

Job description

time left to apply End Date : July 23, 2025 (10 days left to apply)

job requisition id JR3628

Job Title

Chief Financial Officer

Job Description

Help drive excellence in finance and risk leadership at one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes.

WEHI is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead the organisation’s financial and risk management functions. This is a pivotal leadership role focused on the core responsibilities — finance, risk, and oversight of legal.

About WEHI

Founded in 1915 as the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, WEHI is a globally recognised leader in biomedical science. As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, we are driven by scientific excellence and the pursuit of knowledge. Our research spans fundamental discovery through to clinical translation, addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.

Who we are looking for

This role suits a leader who brings both technical excellence and human insight — someone who is as comfortable in the details of financial operations and risk frameworks as they are in cultivating a collaborative and values-based culture.

Key search criteria

Tertiary qualifications in accounting, finance, business, or a related field; professional accounting qualifications (e.g., CA / CPA) required.

Extensive experience in senior financial leadership roles, preferably as a CFO and ideally within a complex grant funded non-profit organisation.

Proven track record in driving maturity of the risk management culture within an organization, including development of enterprise-wide risk frameworks, assurance processes, and the implementation of compliance systems.

Proven track record in financial strategy, budgeting, and reporting, with experience in providing strategic financial advice to senior leadership.

Experience with financial software systems and risk management tools, and the ability to integrate new systems to improve efficiency and reporting accuracy.

An ability to present complex financial and risk information to senior stakeholders in an accessible and strategic manner.

Skilled in handling complex issues diplomatically and negotiating optimal outcomes in challenging situations.

Strong leadership capabilities, with a focus on staff development and empowerment, while acknowledging and leveraging individual contributions.

Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build and manage relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, together with the aptitude to interact with both technical and non-technical groups.

Proven ability to lead change and innovation, fostering adaptability and a culture of continuous improvement.

Experience in defining and executing long-term strategic goals, with a clear focus on supporting the Institute’s broader objectives and vision.

At WEHI, you’ll be part of a leading medical research institute dedicated to making discoveries to help people live healthier, longer lives. We provide an exceptional environment where innovation thrives, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and strong institutional backing.

As an independent organisation, WEHI sets its own scientific priorities, ensuring research excellence remains at the core of everything we do. This unique autonomy creates a dynamic, forward-thinking culture that values integrity, collaboration, and impact.

WEHI is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and flexible workplace. We actively support equity and work-life balance, believing that a collaborative and diverse community drives better science and stronger outcomes.

Join WEHI and lead with purpose in a role where your financial and risk expertise will directly support life-changing medical research and help build a resilient, future-focused organisation.

To apply

Please submit the following documents to be considered for this role :

A cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the position

A response addressing the key selection criteria

A current CV detailing your qualifications and experience

We look forward to receiving your application and thank you for your interest in joining WEHI.

For more details about the role and WEHI, please refer to the brochure here .

The closing date for applications is 22 J uly 2025 However, we will be reviewing applications as they are received, and WEHI reserves the right to appoint a suitable candidate prior to the closing date.

We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing this opportunity.

About Us

WEHI’s commitment to diversity and inclusion

At WEHI we strive to foster a flexible working environment that encourages individual differences and promotes collaboration and creativity. We recognise that talent does not sit within a single identifiable group in our society and that WEHI’s ability to shape contemporary scientific thinking and deliver leading professional services relies on a diversity of thought within our organisation. Our action to promote gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) and we offer a range of support for women researchers . Our commitment to celebrating diversity and addressing inequities is further demonstrated through our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, Gender Action Plan, Reconciliation Action Plan and our WE-Pride network for LGBTQIA+ staff and students. We actively encourage applications from, people with a disability, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse people and people with diverse genders and sexualities. Should you require support during the recruitment process due to special needs or consideration, please contact the People and Culture team .

WEHI’s commitment to Indigenous employment

WEHI is working to create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will be engaged at the scientific frontier, making exciting discoveries and decisions about the future of health in this country, and part of a leading professional services workforce supporting the realisation of these discoveries. We are committed to creating a culturally safe workplace and offering career development and leadership opportunities to First Nations staff and students. We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

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