Serine/threonine-protein kinase component of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC); a complex that acts as a key regulator of mitosis. The CPC complex has essential functions at the centromere in ensuring correct chromosome alignment and segregation and is required for chromatin-induced microtubule stabilization and spindle assembly. Plays also a role in meiosis and more particularly in spermatogenesis. Has redundant cellular functions with AURKB and can rescue an AURKB knockdown. Like AURKB; AURKC phosphorylates histone H3 at 'Ser-10' and 'Ser-28'. Phosphorylates TACC1; another protein involved in cell division; at 'Ser-228'. {ECO:0000269|PubMed:11879579; ECO:0000269|PubMed:21613325}.