Position overview

Research Operations and Clinical Trials Support Unit (ROCTSU) provides support for the conduct of clinical trials and research programs and projects across Canberra Health Services (CHS). The ROCTSU provides support for the conduct of clinical research in Canberra Health facilities including but not limited to Canberra Hospital, North Canberra Hospital, University of Canberra Hospital, and community health facilities. The ROCTSU participates in local and national clinical trials and research programs and projects and has active trials in varying stages ranging from regulatory submissions to trial close out. The number of participants in each trial varies from 1 to over 1000. The ROCTSU supports programs and projects across all sponsor types including pharmaceutical industry, collaborative group and investigator initiated clinical trials projects and programs that are funded through grants. The ROCTSU works closely with the Research Ethics and Governance Office to ensure safe and high-quality trial conduct.

The Clinical Trials Senior Finance Officer is responsible for supporting the financial planning and initiation of clinical research projects within the Clinical Trials Unit at Canberra Hospital. The main responsibilities of the position include the preparation, review, and monitoring of clinical trial budgets, as well as assessing financial feasibility during the start-up phase. The role also contributes to the development of costing models and provides financial advice to investigators and stakeholders to ensure projects are established on a sustainable basis. Proficiency in the use of financial management systems, spreadsheets, and data analysis tools is essential to deliver accurate and timely information that supports effective negotiation and decision-making.

Working closely with the Finance Manager, Finance Officer, Start-Up Specialist and Clinical Trials Coordinators, this position plays a key role in bridging strategic and operational requirements. This includes liaising with sponsors, investigators, and partner organisations to clarify budgetary expectations, supporting contract negotiations, and ensuring compliance with institutional policies and relevant regulations. Success in this position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment to ensure trials are set up efficiently and sustainably.

Key Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.

1. Support the preparation and review of clinical trial budgets, ensuring costings are accurate, comprehensive, and aligned with study protocols and institutional requirements.
2. Undertake financial feasibility assessments for proposed trials, providing advice to investigators and stakeholders on resource needs and sustainability.
3. Assist with contract and budget negotiations by preparing cost models, drafting financial schedules, and liaising with sponsors under the direction of the Finance Manager.
4. Monitor and track start-up costs, budget approvals, and financial milestones to ensure projects are established in a timely and compliant manner.
5. Prepare mid-level financial reports and variance analyses, escalating issues and providing recommendations to the Finance Manager as required.
6. Work collaboratively with the Finance Officer to ensure the accuracy of accounts payable, receivable, reconciliations, and data validation activities.
7. Liaise with investigators, coordinators, and external sponsors to clarify budgetary queries and support clear communication regarding trial financials.
8. Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial processes by developing tools, templates, and systems that support efficient and transparent budget management.
9. Ensure all budgetary activities comply with hospital policies, regulatory requirements, and sponsor agreements, escalating risks where appropriate.
10. Provide guidance and support to clinical trial staff on budget-related processes and requirements, contributing to financial literacy across the unit.
11. Uphold strict confidentiality and discretion in managing sensitive financial and clinical trial information, ensuring compliance with all relevant policies, legislation and standards.
12. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the organisation.

Competencies

Specific competencies include but are not limited to the following:

• Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex trial protocols into accurate and sustainable budget models.
• High attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and compliance in financial planning, reporting, and data validation.
• Effective communicator with the ability to engage confidently with investigators, coordinators, sponsors, and internal stakeholders to resolve financial queries and support negotiations.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the capacity to manage competing priorities across multiple trials during the start-up phase.
• Proactive and adaptable, able to work independently within defined frameworks while contributing to continuous improvement of financial processes.
• Collaborative mindset, fostering effective working relationships with colleagues at all levels to ensure the smooth and timely financial set-up of clinical trials.

Qualifications

Specific qualifications include, but is not limited to, the following.

Essential

• A degree in a relevant area, from a recognised university and/or 1-year professional experience in a senior Finance Role.

Desirable

• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Experience

Specific experience includes, but is not limited to, the following.

Essential

• Prior experience in using MS Excel and MS Office Applications in a Finance setting.
• Practical experience in financial management.

Desirable

• Practical experience in the financial management of clinical trials.
• Project management experience in a Clinical Trials or Research setting.
• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.

Prior to commencement

Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:

• Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.

CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.

1. Proven ability to prepare, review, and monitor budgets, with experience in assessing financial feasibility and translating trial protocols into accurate costing models to support project start-up.
2. Demonstrated ability to liaise, consult, and collaborate effectively with external providers such as investigators, coordinators, sponsors, and internal stakeholders to clarify financial requirements, support contract negotiations, and ensure alignment with institutional policies and objectives.
3. Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to manage competing priorities, work independently within established frameworks, and contribute to the continuous improvement of financial processes.
4. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office and financial management systems, with advanced skills in Excel for budgeting, costing, reporting, and data validation to support transparency and decision-making.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.