Finance Partner

Job Title

Finance Partner

Job Description

An exciting opportunity is available for a Finance Partner to join the Finance Department at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute. 

About the position

The Finance Partner is a highly interactive and visible role that partners with Deputy Directors and their reports to support the achievement of the Institute's strategic and operational goals, by providing financial stewardship and advisory support to an assigned portfolio of scientific centres and laboratories.

The Finance Partner leads budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning processes within their portfolio, while maintaining strong oversight of financial performance, resource allocation, funding sources and utilisation, and risk exposure. The role translates complex financial information into clear insights that enable confident, evidence-based decision-making and longterm sustainability of research activity. The role also leads the development of robust cost models and scenario analysis to inform new initiatives, funding proposals, and evolving resource requirements. Through effective partnerships, the Finance Partner strengthens financial capability across their portfolio, contributing to sound governance and alignment with the Institute’s strategic objectives.

Selection Criteria

Personal qualities

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and proven experience in a similar commercial role, with the ability to operate autonomously and exercise sound professional judgement

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusted relationships

• Excellent communicator in both written and verbal form with the ability to simplify and present complex information to support informed decision-making

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities in a complex environment, work independently and deliver high-quality outcomes within tight timeframes

• A collaborative, solutions-focused and growth mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement, operational efficiencies and organisational outcomes

• Proactive can-do attitude with a high level of initiative

• Demonstrate discretion when managing sensitive or confidential information

Knowledge and skills

• CA/CPA qualified (or equivalent)

• Extensive senior-level finance experience (typically 8+ years), ideally within a commercial environment or in a strong commercial role in medical research, higher education, health, or other complex grant-funded environments

• Advanced analytical capability and high attention to detail, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and operate effectively in complex and fast-paced environments

• Strong financial modelling capability, including development of cost models and scenario analysis

• Experience operating within an FP&A or business partnering function

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills including strong data visualisation and financial storytelling capability, with experience presenting complex analysis to senior stakeholders

• Ability to manage a complex portfolio with multiple cost centres and funding streams

• Knowledge of major Australian research funding bodies such as NHMRC, ARC, and MRFF and experience in modern ERP system and financial planning tools such as Workday and Workday Adaptive Planning will be reviewed favourably.

Terms of appointment

This position is an ongoing role in a full time capacity. Salary is Professional Services Employee Level 8 ($121,642 - $131,663). Very attractive salary packaging options are available for general living expenses, meal entertainment, novated leasing and more. 12% superannuation payable, plus up to a further 5% after the first 6 months of service via our matching superannuation scheme. 

General enquiries can be directed to recruitment@wehi.edu.au.

A position description is available here.

How to apply

Please apply by uploading your CV, cover letter and a document addressing the key selection criteria in pdf format.

Application Closing Date:  The closing date for applications is 24 November 2026, 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.