For more than 20 years, KordaMentha has supported businesses through some of their most complex matters and opportunities. Founder owned and led; we are an advisory firm that helps corporations, financiers, lawyers, private investors and government clients to grow, protect and recover value.

That’s what we do, but it’s how we do this that makes us who we are.

Proudly independent, strategically local, and with a bias for action to get things done, we focus on doing what is right by our clients, our people, and the wider community. Our track record shows that we help navigate the best path forward in challenging times, and do so across cities, regions and territories.

In the most stressful or demanding environments, we continue to drive change where it really counts.

Our Performance Improvement team is growing rapidly, with a strong and expanding focus on the Higher Education sector, and we are looking for a motivated Associate Director to help drive both client impact and practice growth.

As an Associate Director, you will partner closely with clients, particularly universities and tertiary institutions—across a diverse range of engagements, from strategic and operating model reviews through to the delivery of operational and financial performance improvement initiatives. You will also play a key role in strengthening our Higher Education capability and supporting the continued growth of the practice.

Specifically, you will:

• Collaborate with Partners, the broader team, and clients to develop and deliver impactful engagements, with a strong emphasis on Higher Education
• Analyse complex financial and operational information, identify issues, and prepare clear, practical recommendations for senior stakeholders
• Support our clients, including universities and higher education providers to evaluate and understand their financial sustainability, operating performance, and strategic position
• Proactively design and implement improvement initiatives across areas such as cost transformation, operating models, governance, and service delivery
• Contribute to practice growth through thought leadership, client development, mentoring junior team members, and supporting proposals and pursuits

This role works closely alongside Partners, with constant interaction with clients and teams across the firm.

You will enjoy:

• Genuine exposure to senior leaders – you will work directly with Partners and executive‑level client stakeholders and be relied upon as a meaningful contributor
• Market‑leading engagements – we are engaged on complex, high‑impact matters where financial, operational, and reputational outcomes are critical, particularly within the Higher Education sector
• Meaningful, purpose‑driven work – our engagements focus on improving financial sustainability and operational effectiveness for institutions that play a critical role in education and research, underpinned by rigorous analysis and pragmatic decision‑making

As an ideal candidate for this role, you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications and 6–8 years’ experience, including experience in professional services or consulting
• A strong interest in, or experience working with, Higher Education institutions
• An intellectually and commercially curious mindset, with the ability to understand complex organisations from the inside
• Proven experience diagnosing and solving complex commercial and operational issues
• Strong financial and operational capability, including analysis, financial modelling, and report development
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to high‑quality outcomes
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• A willingness to travel interstate as required

Preferred:

• Direct experience in the Higher Education sector, including universities or tertiary education providers
• Experience contributing to practice or capability growth, such as business development, thought leadership, or team development

KordaMentha — Build your future, shape ours

We don’t just hire talent; we invest in it - with support that accelerates your success in every way

Join Us?

• Professional Development: Expert mentorship, tailored training via KordaMentha Business School, study support, and our Accelerate program for Analysts to Associate Directors — build your brand, expand your network, and gain strategic insights from senior leaders

• Flexibility: We champion work/life integration with options that fit your lifestyle.
• Career Growth: Merit-based promotions, secondments, and opportunities to work alongside senior leaders on impactful projects.
• Leave That Works for You: Buy extra leave and access volunteer, generous parental leave and career break options.
• Culture & Connection: Social events, cultural celebrations, and our bi-ennial black-tie ball.
• Family Support: Flexible parental leave, return-to-work support through our partner GracePapers, and resources for every stage of family life.
• Health & Wellbeing: Inclusive wellness initiatives and confidential and industry leading EAP for you and your family.

This isn’t just a job — it’s a place where your ambitions are nurtured, your wellbeing is valued, and your contributions celebrated. Ready to shape your future with us?

At KordaMentha, we believe there is strength in difference. Our entrepreneurial spirit expands the possibilities for action. We approach situations, challenges, and opportunities with optimism, curiosity, and diversity of thought. We seek novel solutions to problems and encourage unconventional and innovative approaches. 

Our team's diverse skillsets, backgrounds and experiences fuel KordaMentha's different mindset. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, recognising that talent and potential extend beyond traditional qualifications. Our selection process values diverse perspectives and considers each applicant's unique strengths and capabilities.