Senior Finance Business Partner – Research

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's pre-eminent University, with a turnover of $1.6bn, including research revenue of over $300m generated across eight diverse faculties and two research institutes.

With over 6,000 staff and 46,000 students, the University of Auckland is one of New Zealand's most significant and complex entities.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking a commercially astute and experienced Senior Finance Business Partner to lead the financial management of our Research Platforms and shape the consolidated financial position of Research across the institution.

This role carries joint financial and commercial responsibility for our Research Platforms, ensuring they are sustainable, high-performing, and positioned for growth and innovation.

In addition, you contribute to the overall financial view of the Institutions research activities, working closely with Faculty Finance Directors, RIO, Research Directors, and the existing Senior Finance Business Partner for Research.

A key focus of this role is to support the Institutions shift toward more mature, portfolio-based planning and capability development, enabling better strategic alignment, investment decisions, and long-term sustainability.

This is a unique opportunity to maximise the impact of our research infrastructure and deliver a cohesive financial narrative for research at the institutional level.

Key responsibilities :

Lead financial strategy for research platforms : budgeting, forecasting, pricing, and performance reporting.

Partner with research and finance leaders to set financial targets, optimise cost recovery, and support growth.

Develop business cases and pricing models that balance financial sustainability with supported access.

Drive strategic insights on funding models, resource allocation, and commercial opportunities.

Coordinate institution-wide research financials, delivering clear, integrated reporting to senior leadership.

Shape policy and manage risk, ensuring compliance and contributing to best-practice financial frameworks.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), Permanent position.

Salary range $170,000-$182,000 dependant on experience.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description

He korero mou | About you

You will be a strategic thinker with a strong commercial mindset and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.

You will also have :

CA / CPA / CIMA qualified (or equivalent) with substantial experience in senior finance roles.

Demonstrated experience in financial management of research infrastructure, core facilities, or similar commercial service operations.

Strong commercial acumen with a track record of improving financial returns and driving business development.

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.

Analytical and innovative, able to translate data into strategic insights.

Ideally, you will have experience in a university or research-intensive environment and familiarity with grant funding, IP commercialisation, or research contracts.

What we offer | Nga ahuatanga kei a matou

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through :

Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)

Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme

A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and a number of other discounts on internal and external services.

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits

Additional Information

Applications must be submitted online, by the closing date of Sunday 23rd November,

• to be considered.

Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.

For further information on services for Maori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatapu iMVPFAFF, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to

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