- Full-time, Fixed term for 5 years based at Parramatta South and Hawkesbury Campus
- Shape Strategic Impact – Lead the Western’s financial strategy to drive sustainability, growth, and transformation
- Influence at the Highest Level – Partner with senior leaders to embed financial accountability and transparency
Chief Financial Officer
About Us
Western Sydney University is a world-class institution located in the heart of Australia’s fastest-growing region. With over 50,000 students, nearly 3,500 staff and a network of campuses across Greater Western Sydney, Vietnam and Indonesia, we are proud to be ranked among the top two per cent of universities globally. Our commitment to equity, excellence, and impact drives everything we do – and we’ve been ranked first globally for our dedication to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for three consecutive years.
We are bold, driven by integrity, fairness, and a passion for excellence – and we are looking for a strategic financial leader to join us on our journey.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our Senior Executive team and lead the University’s financial strategy and operations. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the CFO will also provide high-level advice to the Vice-Chancellor, Board of Trustees, Executive Team and University Committees.
This pivotal role is responsible for ensuring the long-term financial sustainability and commercial strength of the University and its controlled entities. You will drive accountability across the institution, ensuring our leaders are empowered to manage budgets responsibly and proactively, and that financial controls, systems and strategic investment decisions support our bold ambitions.
The CFO will lead a diverse portfolio including Financial Services, Treasury, Procurement, and Financial Performance & Partnerships. This is a leadership role requiring courage, vision, and the ability to implement significant change at pace.
About You
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced financial leader with a proven track record in executive roles within large, complex organizations. While not essential, knowledge or experience in the higher education sector is considered beneficial. You should possess relevant tertiary qualifications and extensive experience in financial management, including strategic planning, financial analysis, and risk management.
You will bring:
Candidates should demonstrate high commercial acumen, professionalism, and the ability to assess and manage business, financial, and operational risks. Familiarity with Auditor Generals and managing controlled entities is advantageous.
Why Join Us?
At Western Sydney University, you’ll be part of an institution that is both deeply connected to its community and globally recognised for its excellence and impact.
We offer:
This role is based across our Parramatta South and Hawkesbury campuses, with flexibility to support executive commitments.
Please review the position description for further information.
Position Enquiries:
Please direct specific enquiries regarding the role to Kevin Yoon, Associate Director, Talent Acquisition at [email protected].
Closing Date:
8:30pm on Sunday 20th July 2025
Working Rights in Australia - Eligibility
You must provide evidence of your full-time working rights in Australia at time of application.
Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered.
- Shape Strategic Impact – Lead the Western’s financial strategy to drive sustainability, growth, and transformation.
- Influence at the Highest Level – Partner with senior leaders to embed financial accountability and transparency.
- Drive Regional and Global Impact – Help steer the financial direction of a university transforming Western Sydney and contributing globally.
About Us
Western Sydney University is a world-class institution located in the heart of Australia’s fastest-growing region. With over 50,000 students, nearly 3,500 staff and a network of campuses across Greater Western Sydney, Vietnam and Indonesia, we are proud to be ranked among the top two per cent of universities globally. Our commitment to equity, excellence, and impact drives everything we do – and we’ve been ranked first globally for our dedication to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for three consecutive years.
We are bold, driven by integrity, fairness, and a passion for excellence – and we are looking for a strategic financial leader to join us on our journey.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our Senior Executive team and lead the University’s financial strategy and operations. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the CFO will also provide high-level advice to the Vice-Chancellor, Board of Trustees, Executive Team and University Committees.
This pivotal role is responsible for ensuring the long-term financial sustainability and commercial strength of the University and its controlled entities. You will drive accountability across the institution, ensuring our leaders are empowered to manage budgets responsibly and proactively, and that financial controls, systems and strategic investment decisions support our bold ambitions.
The CFO will lead a diverse portfolio including Financial Services, Treasury, Procurement, and Financial Performance & Partnerships. This is a leadership role requiring courage, vision, and the ability to implement significant change at pace.
About You
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced financial leader with a proven track record in executive roles within large, complex organizations. While not essential, knowledge or experience in the higher education sector is considered beneficial. You should possess relevant tertiary qualifications and extensive experience in financial management, including strategic planning, financial analysis, and risk management.
You will bring:
- Executive financial leadership experience, including oversight of complex operations, commercial ventures, and controlled entities.
- Strategic capability, with strength in financial planning, capital structuring, investment decisions, and risk management.
- Innovative thinking, with the ability to present firm, solutions-focused recommendations.
- Credibility with senior stakeholders, including governance committees, regulators, investors, and peers.
- A leadership style that drives accountability, empowers teams, and leads cultural transformation.
Candidates should demonstrate high commercial acumen, professionalism, and the ability to assess and manage business, financial, and operational risks. Familiarity with Auditor Generals and managing controlled entities is advantageous.
Why Join Us?
At Western Sydney University, you’ll be part of an institution that is both deeply connected to its community and globally recognised for its excellence and impact.
We offer:
- A competitive executive salary and benefits package.
- A dynamic and supportive leadership team with strong backing from the COO and Vice-Chancellor.
- A chance to shape the future of higher education from a university that’s influencing both Western Sydney and the world.
This role is based across our Parramatta South and Hawkesbury campuses, with flexibility to support executive commitments.
Please review the position description for further information.
Position Enquiries:
Please direct specific enquiries regarding the role to Kevin Yoon, Associate Director, Talent Acquisition at [email protected].
Closing Date:
8:30pm on Sunday 20th July 2025
Working Rights in Australia - Eligibility
You must provide evidence of your full-time working rights in Australia at time of application.
Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered.
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