Deakin University
Chief Financial Officer

Deakin University is seeking an accomplished and commercially astute Chief Financial Officer to join the University Executive and help lead the institution through a period of significant financial and sector change.
Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor, the CFO will be a key strategic adviser to the Executive and Council, shaping Deakin’s response to lower international student income, regulatory constraints and a changing revenue outlook.

The Opportunity
Over the next 18 months, the University will undertake significant restructuring, strengthen its cash position and establish new borrowing arrangements. The CFO will lead this financial response, providing clear advice on cash flow, debt, capital allocation, investment priorities and the sequencing of change. They will also identify opportunities to diversify revenue, optimise Deakin’s asset base and support commercial and research initiatives. Central to the role will be the ability to land change successfully. The CFO must bring people on the journey, work constructively with staff and unions, and balance financial discipline with Deakin’s responsibilities to its people and purpose.

Key Priorities
The CFO will:
• Lead financial strategy, forecasting, cash flow, treasury and debt management.
• Establish and oversee the University’s commercial borrowing arrangements.
• Guide the financial elements of Deakin’s restructuring and cost-reduction program.
• Advise the Vice-Chancellor, Executive and Council on investment, capital and asset decisions.
• Identify alternative revenue, funding and commercial opportunities.
• Strengthen financial transparency, accountability and institution-wide decision-making.
• Build alignment and support for change across the University.

About You
You will be an experienced CFO or senior finance executive with the judgement,



presence and communication skills to operate effectively in a complex, highly scrutinised environment.
Recent higher education experience would be highly regarded, including experience gained in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or Canada. Candidates from outside the sector will also be considered where they can demonstrate an ability to understand the distinctive culture, governance and operating environment of a university quickly.

You will bring:
• Strong financial planning, treasury, debt and cash flow capability.
• Experience leading significant financial and organisational change.
• Credibility working with executive teams and governing bodies.
• Commercial judgement and the ability to evaluate revenue, investment and asset opportunities.
• A transparent, ethical and whole-of-university perspective.
• A collaborative and approachable leadership style, navigating complexity with ease, managing tension constructively, and bringing people together around a common purpose. Builds trust through authenticity, active listening, and a genuine commitment to people and outcomes.

Why Join Deakin?
This is an prospect to play a defining role in Deakin’s future. The CFO will help position the University for long-term financial sustainability while supporting its continuing investment in education, research and innovation.
The role will suit a values-led finance leader who combines commercial discipline with integrity, sound judgement and a strong understanding of how to deliver change in a purpose-driven institution.

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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis. Artificial Intelligence tools may be used in connection with the recruitment process for this position.

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📌 Chief Financial Officer (Melbourne)
🏢 Korn Ferry
📍 Melbourne