Position Overview

Reporting to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Services & Resources) and with a direct relationship with the Vice Chancellor on key strategic financial matters, the Chief Financial Officer is a key, independent advisor to senior executives and Vice Chancellor’s Advisory Committee and provides fiscal leadership as the most senior finance professional in the University. The CFO carries major responsibility for ensuring the long-term financial viability of the University through strategic contributions to revenue generation strategies and through oversight of the prudent management of the University’s financial resources.

Within the University the CFO provides key strategic advice on a range of financial, investment, accounting, taxation, capital and operating budgetary/resource allocation matters and provides leadership on financial planning, policy and accountability and business practices that will promote continuing improvement and best practice in the financial and business management of the University.

In addition the CFO leads and directs the overall operations of the Directorate to ensure that the full range of high quality and effective financial and business services are provided in a timely and efficient manner to meet client expectations.

The CFO will provide strong, effective, visionary leadership, management, mentoring and professional development, including performance review, to the staff of the Directorate, optimizing use of available resources and establishing a healthy culture of teamwork, transparency and openness, and maintaining strong communication channels at all times. Currently, the CFO has 8 direct reports and 59 indirect reports.

Reporting Relationships

• VICE CHANCELLOR
• DEPUTY VICE CHANCELLOR
• SERVICES & RESOURCES
• CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Principal Accountabilities

Principal accountabilities include but are not limited to:

1. Provide leadership and strategic direction to the University in the area of financial and business services, including the provision of strategic policy and operational advice to the Vice Chancellor, senior executives and Vice Chancellor’s Advisory Committee, along with other key decision-making bodies including the Finance Committee of Council and the University Council.
2. Develop and implement the University’s overall financial strategy to ensure the organisation anticipates and responds to changing business conditions.
3. Lead and manage the University’s annual budget process, developing financial strategies, policies and monitoring, advising and reporting on the financial health of the University.
4. Be accountable for the effective and efficient leadership, management and operation of the services and functions of the Financial and Business Services Directorate and the achievement of significant organisational objectives and programs, including oversight of the Directorate’s budget, ensuring recommendations, advice and guidance that lead to continuous improvement supported by best practice policies, processes and practices.
5. Manage the corporate treasury and investment portfolio of the University for optimal outcomes.
6. Manage the University’s debt portfolio for optimal outcomes.
7. Ensure effective control systems are in place to guard against the loss of financial and physical assets of the University.
8. Ensure appropriate business continuity and disaster recovery operations are maintained across the Directorate.
9. Ensure business risks are identified and managed through effective risk management strategies and operations.
10. Ensure financial, statutory and legislative obligations are met and review and assess new legislation to identify the impacts on future funding for the University.
11. Be responsible for crafting financial policy within the framework of the agreed strategic direction of the University, evaluating and advising on options for new ventures and proposals and implementation of new software solutions and new initiatives and the assessment of the impact on the University.
12. Utilize communication, diplomacy and negotiation skills to establish, maintain, foster and promote collaborative working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders across the University community and externally.
13. Promote a partnership approach within the Directorate by providing strong, effective, visionary leadership, management, mentoring and professional development, (including performance review), establishing a culture of teamwork, transparency and openness, maintaining strong communication channels at all times.
14. Utilise technical knowledge, interpersonal skills and creativity and operate with considerable autonomy, exercising a high level of responsibility to make decisions and resolve a diversity of complex issues which arise, or are delegated from the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Services and Resources and/or the Vice Chancellor.
15. Lead, promote and facilitate the integration of strategies and initiatives that support the University’s commitment to the principles of reconciliation, which exemplify respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and the valuing of justice and equity for all Australians.
16. Demonstrate a commitment to the University’s values.
17. Lead and promote a culture that ensures that WH&S legislation is enforced across all areas of the Directorate and that staff have an understanding of their responsibilities in this area.
18. Lead, support and promote the inclusion of sustainability initiatives in all aspects of operations, support the principles of the TropEco program and engage in commitment to JCU sustainability goals and objectives.

Generic Accountabilities

There are generic responsibilities that apply to all James Cook University staff.

1. < >The Chief Financial Officer is required to observe the lawful and reasonable directions, policies and decisions of the University Council, understand and comply with the Enterprise Agreement, the Statutes and rules of the University and other appropriate University authorities, as in force from time to time.
2. The Chief Financial Officer is required to demonstrate a personal commitment to ensure personal safety and the safety of others and contribute to the continuous improvement of our WHS performance.  This includes the effective implementation and compliance with James Cook University WHS policies, procedures and safe systems of work, together with all relevant legislation, duties and obligations.
3. The Chief Financial Officer is required to exercise proper discretion in all matters affecting the well-being of the University which involve public writing or speaking in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct.

Selection Criteria

Selection and appointments will be assessed against the selection criteria.

1. Postgraduate qualifications in accountancy and extensive experience in a business environment across a broad range of functional areas.
2. Extensive experience and demonstrated achievement in the provision of high level advice to inform