AFWI Finance and Operations Manager

The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present.

• Seeking an experienced finance and operations professional in this diverse and collaborative role
• Drive compliance, executive support and strategic operations in a dynamic national research organisation
• Full time, fixed term role until June 2030 based in Launceston

The Finance and Operations Manager coordinates and supports AFWI’s operational, financial, governance and reporting functions. The role provides integrated governance and executive support to the Executive Director and is responsible for coordinating Board and committee processes, Commonwealth reporting and acquittals, financial reporting, procurement administration, and operational compliance to help ensure AFWI operates in a compliant, efficient and audit-ready manner. Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) is a national initiative funded by the Australian Government and hosted by the University of Tasmania for advancing research and innovation in forestry and wood products. AFWI works with industry, universities and government partners across Australia and globally to deliver collaborative, end-user-focused research and innovation, including three AFWI Research Centres and a National Open Call program.

• →Provide financial, operational, governance and executive support to the Executive Director.
• →In partnership with UTAS Finance, deliver effective budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting and cashflow monitoring.
• →Provide secretariat support for the Board and the Board’s Finance, Audit & Risk Committee.
• →Maintain key AFWI operational registers, dashboards, website updates and reporting tools.
• →Manage and support Commonwealth reporting, including preparation of milestone reports, submissions, financial acquittals, invoicing, payment schedules and inputs from internal stakeholders.­

• A tertiary qualification in finance and/or accounting (essential) and governance qualifications such as GAICD or equivalent (desirable).
• Demonstrated substantial professional experience in finance, accounting, operations, governance support, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and training.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate governance processes, including committee support, agenda and paper coordination, minute-taking, action tracking, reporting documentation and compliance records.
• Experience working with or within Commonwealth, university and/or State Government environments, including reporting and compliance requirements.
• Experience working in complex organisations such as universities, research institutes or publicly funded entities.

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 8 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $152,033 comprising base salary within the range of $114,282 to $129,943 plus 17% superannuation.

• To apply online, please provide your CV and 1-2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role, skills, capabilities and experience.  You do not need to separately address the success profile.
• For further information about this position, please contact Joseph Lawrence, Executive Director of Australian Forest and Wood Innovations, Joseph.Lawrence@utas.edu.au
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• For current UTAS staff, in submitting your application, you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - 503945 - AFWI Finance and Operations Manager.pdf

As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa that enables you to fulfil the requirements of this role.

Advertised: 30 Jul 2026 Tasmania Standard Time
Applications close: 16 Aug 2026 Tasmania Standard Time

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