Apply now »

Finance Business Partner - Research

Req ID:  7271
Date:  4 May 2026
Site:  VCCC (Parkville)
Location: 

MELBOURNE, VIC, AU, 3000

Company:  Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Unit:  Commercial Finance
Division:  Chief Financial Officer
Department:  Commercial Finance
Enterprise Agreement:  Health and Allied Services, Managers and Administr
Commercial Finance

At Peter Mac we aim to continuously improve cancer care, research and education across all cancers and for all people affected by cancer: changing lives, breaking new ground. Everything we do is underpinned by our core values, Excellence, Compassion and Innovation. Welcoming people from a wide variety of different backgrounds and experiences is critical to fostering innovation, cultivating compassion, attracting and retaining top talent and providing the best possible cancer care for our patients.

 

YOUR ROLE IN OUR FUTURE

 

Finance Business Partner - Research

 

  • 12-month fixed term, full time role (backfill)
  • 76 or 80 hour (with ADO) working schedule
  • $123k base salary + super + salary packaging + 5-weeks annual leave

 

About the role

The Research Finance Business Partner connects Finance, Researchers, Managers and the University of Melbourne (administering institution) to ensure strong financial management, accurate budgets and forecasts, and clear financial reporting.

This role provides financial insights to improve performance and support key initiatives in the Research Division.

 

About you

You will have a proven ability to build rapport and strong, professional relationships with a range of stakeholders whilst managing competing priorities.

You'll bring with you:

  • Bachelor’s degree of higher in Accounting / Commerce
  • Membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia (ICAA) and/or Certified Practicing Accountants of Australia (CPA)
  • Demonstrated experience in provision of financial support within complex organisations
  • Demonstrated ability in the provision of financial analysis that drives operation performance and deliver commercial outcomes
  • Experience developing accurate budgets, forecasts and high-quality reports
  • Proven capability to analyse data, prepare recommendations and communicate clearly with stakeholders at all levels of the organization
  • Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
  • Intermediate MS office, particularly Microsoft Excel
  • Demonstrated experience in problem solving, effectively managing multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritising work to meet deadlines and organisational goals.

 

A tertiary qualification in management as well as an understanding of the research sector and guidelines is desired.

 

Our benefits

We offer a range of benefits which support our people both personally and professionally, including:

  • Up to $11,660 in salary packaging to increase your take home pay
  • Discounted health insurance and eye care
  • A comprehensive health and wellbeing program
  • Public transport options at our doorstep and end of trip facilities for cyclists
  • Onsite eateries and coffee shops and inviting rooftop garden spaces
  • Pathways for professional development and new career opportunities
  • Five weeks annual leave, 17.5% leave loading, purchased leave options & monthly ADOs
  • Flexible, hybrid working practices

 

Inclusion and belonging

Peter Mac celebrates, values and supports a diverse and inclusive environment which reflects our vibrant community.  We encourage applications from anyone identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.  We also welcome anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+, linguistically, culturally and/or gender diverse, people with disability, and people of any age to apply for our roles.

 

Join us!

If you feel this role is right for you we warmly invite you to apply, and encourage your early application.  All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory police check and may include vaccination requirements.  Should you need assistance or require any adjustments or accommodations to fully participate in the application or interview process, you are welcome to reach out to the contact person listed.  We acknowledge that not all applicants will meet the full list of selection criteria outlined, and wherever possible we will consider applications where relevant experience can apply.

 

Applicants to this role should provide a covering letter outlining relative key skills and experience to assist us with our assessment.

For further information about this opportunity, click Apply to be redirected to the Peter Mac Careers page where you can review the position summary. Alternatively, please contact us using the information below for a confidential discussion.

 

Hiring Manager: Karen Khoo

Email: Karen.Khoo@petermac.org

 

Applications Close: 11 May 2026
______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Position Summary

The Research Finance Business Partner connects Finance, Researchers, Managers and the University of Melbourne (administering institution) to ensure strong financial management, accurate budgets and forecasts, and clear financial reporting.
This role provides financial insights to improve performance and support key initiatives in the Research Division.

Enterprise Agreement

Health and Allied Services, Managers and Administrative Workers

Classification or Salary Range

Grade 5: HS5

Immunisation Risk Category

Category C: Position within a non-clinical setting

Key Relationships

Internal
  • Research Group Leaders and Managers
  • Financial Accounting Team
  • Grants Team
  • Commercialisation team
External
  • The University of Melbourne and other academic institutes
  • Research funding bodies

 

Education

Skills

Essential Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree of higher in Accounting / Commerce
  • Membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia (ICAA) and/or Certified Practicing Accountants of Australia (CPA)
  • Demonstrated experience in provision of financial support within complex organisations
  • Demonstrated ability in the provision of financial analysis that drives operation performance and deliver commercial outcomes
  • Experience developing accurate budgets, forecasts and high-quality reports
  • Proven capability to analyse data, prepare recommendations and communicate clearly with stakeholders at all levels of the organization
  • Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
  • Proven ability to build rapport and strong, professional relationships with a range of stakeholders whilst managing competing priorities
  • Intermediate MS office, particularly Microsoft Excel
  • Demonstrated experience in problem solving, effectively managing multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritising work to meet deadlines and organisational goals.
Desireable Requirements
  • Tertiary qualification in Management
  • Understanding of research sector budgeting and operations
  • Understanding of research funding guidelines

 

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

Key Accountabilities

Key Accountabilities Demonstrated By / Key Performance Indicators

1. Financial Performance Reporting

  • Financial acquittals the formal process of accounting for and verifying how funds have been spent, typically in relation to a grant funding. Demonstrating that the money was used appropriately and in accordance with the agreed terms.
  • Preparation, coordination, guiding, and supporting the budget process, including:
    • Adherence to Annual Budget Guidelines and timelines;
    • Managing stakeholders to ensure timely completion of  budgets;
    • Providing analytics on financial and operational changes;
    • Identifying budget risks and     mitigations.;
  • Manage the month end reporting processes to ensure accurate results and the provision of high-quality financial information to drive operational performance.
  • Monitor the impact of operational activities on financial performance and variance from budget with a focus on emerging trends and risks.
  • Deliver regular forecasting based on trend analysis
  • Provision of timely and accurate financial acquittals to University of Melbourne and other funders. Demonstrating that the money was used appropriately and in accordance with the agreed terms.
  • Provision of timely and accurate reporting to Researchers and Managers that informs decision making.
  • Provision of high-quality financial analysis and commentary to assist with annual budget development, forecasting and month end reporting.
  • Timely development and completion of the annual budget.
  • Preparation of month-end journals and other ad hoc journals as necessary.
  • Performance of ad-hoc analysis as required.

 

Key Accountabilities (Contd..)

2. Finance Subject-Matter Expert

  • Provide financial insight and advice to Group Leaders to optimise financial performance.
  • Build links between finance and operational functions.
  • Ensure appropriate internal controls and oversight of financial resources.
  • Drive continuous improvement of organisational processes, procedures, systems and reporting.
  • Understand operational changes and their financial impacts.
  • Evidence of supporting continuous improvements in organisational processes, procedures, systems and reporting.
  • Trusted financial adviser, supporting business priorities and delivering commercial insights to influence key operational and strategic decisions.
  • Be the conduit between the operational team and the wider Finance Division. For instance, coordinating with AP/AR teams as needed.

3. Commercial Acumen

  • Provide financial analysis to drive operational performance and deliver commercial outcomes.
  • Independently evaluate the financial impacts and risks of business cases, new initiatives, commercial negotiations and tenders.
  • Evidence of financial information driving operational performance and commercial outcomes.

4. Stakeholder Management and Communication

  • Minimum intermediate MS office, particularly Microsoft Excel.
  • Provide stakeholders with timely and appropriate financial support. 
  • Proven ability to analyse complex financial data and make informed decisions.
  • Experience with financial management systems and tools.
  • Provide a proactive approach to financial problem solving and decision making.
  • Promote strong commercial culture via coaching, partnership and evaluation.
  • Strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including Group Leaders’, Managers, University of Melbourne and wider teams.
  • Communication of financial results and issues to non-financial stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
  • Successfully managing competing priorities across various stakeholders to ensure the best outcome.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

For further information about this opportunity, click Apply to be redirected to the Peter Mac Careers page where you can review the position profile. Alternatively, please contact us for a confidential discussion.

 

 

Peter Mac is a child safe organisation and has a commitment to child safety and wellbeing.

 

 

WHY WORK FOR PETER MAC

 

  • Peter Mac offer a range of benefits which support our people both personally and professionally.
  • Our staff benefits include award winning facilities, professional development and events, a health and wellbeing program, flexible work practices and policies and financial benefits such as salary packaging.
  • We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, all members of the LGBTQI community and people with a disability.

Apply now »