Finance Business Partner - Research

Company Overview

Waipapa Taumata Rau, also known as The University of Auckland, is seeking a strategic Finance Business Partner to support the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research portfolio.

Role Overview

This 12-month fixed-term, full-time position involves partnering with senior academic and professional leaders to deliver trusted financial advice, support planning and performance insights, and contribute to achieving the University's research and organizational goals. The role emphasizes enhancing financial capability, driving continuous improvements, and maintaining financial sustainability within a complex, evolving environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior academic and professional leaders to formulate financial strategies, annual plans, budgets, and forecasts that align with institutional priorities.
• Produce high-quality financial analysis, reports, and decision support materials to aid effective planning, performance tracking, and allocation of resources.
• Serve as a trusted financial advisor to leadership teams, translating financial data into actionable insights and recommendations supporting strategic goals.
• Lead and participate in projects to enhance financial performance, operational efficiency, and organizational capabilities within the portfolio.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across faculties, research institutes, service divisions, and finance teams to ensure consistent business partnering approaches.
• Support financial governance by ensuring appropriate controls, policies, and performance frameworks are established and adhered to.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to finance staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and excellent service delivery.

Candidate Profile

• The ideal candidate is a commercially savvy finance professional with strong relationship-building and influencing abilities.
• Experience navigating complex organizations with a collaborative mindset and strong analytical skills.
• Confidence engaging senior stakeholders on strategic and operational matters.
• Tertiary qualification in accounting, commerce, or a related field, with Chartered Accountant status such as CA ANZ, CPA, or equivalent.
• Extensive experience in finance business partnering, financial planning, budgeting, and performance management within large, complex organizations.
• Proven ability to gain trust from senior leaders and provide clear, evidence-based financial advice supporting sound decisions.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills to work across diverse groups and conflicting priorities.
• Demonstrated involvement in leading or contributing to change initiatives, continuous improvement programs, and innovative business solutions.
• Capability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution, managing multiple priorities while delivering quality outcomes.
• A collaborative leadership approach including experience mentoring or developing team members.
• Strong digital literacy, interest in emerging technologies, and sound judgment in adopting new tools.

Employment Terms

This role is a fixed-term secondment/full-time position with 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday). The offered salary range is between $118,000 and $136,000 annually, based on skills and experience.

Benefits and Work Environment

• Competitive salary and five weeks annual leave.
• Discounted public transport for eligible staff.
• Superannuation/KiwiSaver scheme with employer matching up to 6.75%.
• Flexible working practices including options for working from home and flexible hours.
• Progressive and inclusive parental leave policies.
• Career development opportunities along with access to discounts on insurance, memberships, and on-site amenities.

Additional Information

Applications must be submitted online by Sunday 18th October 2026 and include a cover letter and CV outlining relevant skills and experience. Queries are welcome, but applications sent by email will not be accepted.

The University is committed to honoring the Treaty of Waitangi and promoting equity, inclusion, and a safe environment for all staff and students. Information on support services for diverse communities is available via the University's equity resources.