Job No: USU1826
Location: Camperdown, Sydney, NSW
Finance Manager
Location: Camperdown, Sydney, NSW
Full Time (35h),
12-month fixed-term opportunity with strong potential for extension - Immediate Start!
Hands-on Finance Manager role with strong compliance and operational focus
Opportunity to strengthen systems, controls and finance processes across USU
ABOUT THE ROLE
At USU, we’re looking for a hands-on and proactive Finance Manager to lead a key part of our finance function through an important period of operational improvement and finance process uplift.
This role is suited to someone who enjoys building strong operational foundations — improving processes, strengthening controls, embedding compliance and supporting and developing a finance team in a practical and collaborative way.
Reporting to the Director of Finance, you’ll oversee the day-to-day delivery of your portfolio within the finance function, partnering closely with stakeholders across the business to deliver accurate reporting, operational support and continuous improvement initiatives.
While the role partners closely with senior stakeholders, it is also a hands-on leadership role requiring someone comfortable staying close to operational finance, compliance and process improvement activities, while helping create structure, clarity and stability within a complex and evolving environment. At USU, we’re looking for a hands-on and proactive Finance Manager to lead our finance function through an important period of operational improvement and finance process uplift.
WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
Leading the day-to-day and supporting a small finance team
Strengthening finance processes, controls and operational governance practices
Overseeing compliance across areas including GST, BAS, FBT and ACNC reporting
Preparing and reviewing monthly reporting, balance sheet reconciliations and financial commentary
Supporting budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management
Coordinating external audit requirements and supporting audit readiness across the function
Reviewing and improving finance policies, procedures and process documentation
Identifying opportunities to improve systems, reporting and operational efficiency
Partnering with stakeholders across the business to provide practical financial support, insight and guidance
Supporting the ongoing development of scalable finance processes, documentation and knowledge sharing practices
WHAT YOU BRING
You’re someone who enjoys improving environments, solving problems and building strong operational foundations.
You’re calm under pressure, adaptable and comfortable working within evolving environments. You’re able to balance technical rigour with a practical, collaborative and solutions-focused approach.
You’ll likely bring:
CPA or CA qualification
Strong hands-on experience across finance operations, compliance and reporting
Practical experience with GST, BAS and FBT compliance
Experience improving controls, policies, processes and documentation
Strong audit, compliance and risk management capability
Experience working within complex or multi-stakeholder environments
A willingness to stay close to operational finance work and support the team where needed
Strong judgement, accountability and stakeholder management skills
Experience within NFP, education or member-based environments will be highly regarded.
WHY JOIN USU?
USU is a purpose-driven organisation focused on creating an exceptional university experience for students.
This role offers the opportunity to make a genuine impact — not just through reporting and compliance, but by helping strengthen and shape the future of the finance function.
You’ll join a collaborative environment where continuous improvement, accountability and practical problem solving are valued
BENEFITS
8 days of extra paid leave per year
35 hour work week
Work from home, 1 day per week
Meal card for food and beverage - $15 per day
17.5% annual leave loading
Complimentary USU Rewards membership (discounts on and off campus)
Commitment to ongoing learning & development
APPLICATIONS CLOSE
Tuesday, 9 June 2026, 11:59 PM
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is highly encouraged to ensure timely consideration.
HOW TO APPLY
You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this role.
Please review the position description and submit your resume and optional cover letter via the online application form below.
Please note: applications cannot be saved and completed at a later stage.
ABOUT THE USU
The USU (University of Sydney Union) is proudly Australia’s oldest and largest not-for-profit student organisation, dedicated to providing students with the best possible university experience.
Led by a student board elected by our members, the USU provides fun things on campus, such as festivals, events and parties. We manage a diverse range of programs, including an active volunteering program and a Language Exchange, to name a few. In addition, we support over 200 Clubs and Societies as well as operate bars, food and retail outlets across campus, providing great coffee, affordable fresh food, graduation gown hire and official USYD merchandise.
We are committed to promoting a workplace of equal opportunities. We promote healthy living and aims to protect the health and safety of staff, members and visitors to the University by providing a Smoke-Free Workplace. We do not accept unsolicited agency applications.
USU is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We’re committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all walks of life. Help make us better by joining our team.
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