Finance Research Administrator

University of Canterbury; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Superannuation

Flexible working

Supportive environment

Discounts

Christchurch living

Campus facilities access

Job summary

University of Canterbury – Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand, is seeking a Finance Research Administrator on a fixed-term contract until September 2027. The role supports the Post-award Team with invoicing, accounts payable/receivable, reconciliations and grant closures, ensuring timely financial reporting.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in finance systems, invoicing experience, strong Excel and Oracle skills, and excellent stakeholder management. Onsite with 37.5 hours per week.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience with databases and finance systems including invoicing and reporting.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and data entry with Oracle experience.
• Strong attention to detail and stakeholder relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Invoicing, accounts receivable/payable processing and credits management.
• Account reconciliations and follow-up on outstanding payments.
• Monitor and report research income/expenditure; coordinate grant closures.
• Prepare financial information and resolve issues with colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Financial Services and Research & Innovation to deliver finance services.

Skills

Database experience

Invoicing

Accounts receivable/payable

Excel

Stakeholder management

Detail-oriented

Finance systems

Education

NCEA Level 3+ in accounting or finance

Tools

Oracle

Excel

Job description

University of Canterbury – Christchurch, South Island

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• 4 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• Fixed-term position until September 2027, 37.5 hours per week
• Generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

As Finance Research Administrator, you will work alongside the Post-award Team to support the financial administration of research and consultancy agreements. This includes invoicing, accounts receivable and payable processing, account reconciliations, managing credits, and following up on outstanding payments.

The role also involves supporting the monitoring and reporting of research and consultancy income and expenditure, preparing financial information, coordinating grant closures and resolving financial matters with relevant colleagues and external stakeholders. Working closely with Financial Services and Research and Innovation, you will help deliver financial services seamlessly across the University.

You are a finance professional who enjoys working with financial information, systems and processes with experience in contract administration and financial documentation. You will bring a proactive and collaborative approach to your work, along with the confidence to work independently when required.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• 3+ years’ experience working with database and finance systems, including invoicing and financial reporting.
• NCEA Level 3 or above qualification in accounting or finance.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and strong data entry skills with proven experience using Oracle.
• Excellent attention to detail and a consistent focus on accuracy.
• Strong stakeholder relationship management skills, including the confidence to diplomatically follow up on outstanding payments while maintaining positive and professional relationships.
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

You will work collaboratively with teams across the University and external stakeholders to ensure the financial aspects of research and consultancy agreements are managed effectively and delivered in a timely manner.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.

• 4 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• flexible working arrangement
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

We offer a range of benefits, for more information, please visit us:https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc . (For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/ )

The closing date for this position is: 17 September 2026 (midnight, NZ time)

Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency or hold a valid NZ work visa to be considered for this role.

Please note, this is an onsite position.