USQ leads discussion in future university finance trends

The Queensland Universities Senior Finance Officers Forum hosted by USQ was held at the Empire Theatre on September 5-7.

USQ's Chief Operating Officer, Bernard Lillis gave a keynote presenation at the recent Senior Finance Officers Forum

USQ was the major sponsor of the event with the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer delivering keynote speeches.

The Forum drew participants from Queensland universities and national university suppliers where the challenges for the changing sector were a key discussion point.

Mr Doug Tyler, Director Financial Reporting and Budgets said that it was important for industry professionals to meet and discuss current financial topics and sector challenges.

'The higher education sector is constantly undergoing change and faces continual financial pressure due to the government policy, not to mention more recent events, such as the Global Financial Crisis,' Mr Tyler said.

'The ever changing environment creates resource implications on the financial services of all universities – budgeting and reporting is only a small component of the scope of today’s Financial Services.'

Presentations and support for the Forum were given by delegates from major organisations like USQ, KPMG, CPA Australia, UniLink Data Systems and the National Australia Bank.

Mr Bernard Lillis, the Chief Operating Officer gave a presentation on the future challenges for financial services in the sector.

'Management accounting is becoming management (over accounting),” Mr Lillis said in his presentation.

'There is a need for management accounting tool selection to evolve to match the changing needs of the organisation.'

'It is paramount that Universities discuss these issues and work together. USQ has and is continually developing some advanced financial models to better manage processes and find efficiency. It was important that USQ was involved in this forum.' Mr Tyler said

Contact Details:
Sam Tickell, USQ Media , +61 7 4631 2559