Chief Financial Officer, Executive Level 2

HorizonOne Recruitment; Armidale; Hybrid; AUD 154,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

APVMA, Australia's national regulator of agricultural and veterinary chemicals, invites applications for Deputy CFO/Finance Director. Reporting to the COO, you will lead the Finance and Procurement team across Armidale and Canberra and shape the financial strategy and cost-recovery model.

This role offers strategic influence, direct Board exposure, and the chance to modernise finance systems, driving governance, automation and clearer financial insights for a regulator protecting people, animals

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in accounting or finance.
• CA/CPA or equivalent designation.
• Australian citizenship and Baseline security clearance.
• Strong Commonwealth finance experience across governance and reporting.
• Experience with cost-recovery arrangements (CRIS).
• Ability to communicate complex financial matters to CEO/Board.
• Experience leading finance and procurement teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the agency's financial strategy and long-term sustainability.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the CEO and Board.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, reporting and cost-recovery arrangements.
• Lead financial and procurement governance in line with Commonwealth frameworks.
• Modernise finance systems and processes (e.g., TechnologyOne) with enhanced controls.
• Build financial capability across the agency and mentor the team.
• Engage with central agencies, auditors and stakeholders.

Skills

Commonwealth finance experience

Cost recovery (CRIS)

Strategic financial planning

CEO/Board advisory

Team leadership

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance

CA/CPA or equivalent

Tools

TechnologyOne

Job description

About the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)

The APVMA is Australia's national regulator of agricultural and veterinary chemicals. Its work protects the health and safety of people, animals and the environment, and supports primary industries, biosecurity and international trade.

A Board-governed Commonwealth entity in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry portfolio, the APVMA has its head office in Armidale NSW, and ~100 staff in Canberra ACT.

The Opportunity

Take ownership of the full CFO remit, with the opportunity to shape the financial future of a national regulator. With a new cost recovery framework in place and a finance modernisation program ahead, there's real scope to influence how the APVMA operates for years to come.

For a Deputy CFO or Finance Director in a larger agency, this is a step up in scope rather than classification. You'll work directly with the CEO and Board, supported by a CPA-qualified Chief Operating Officer who is actively backing the finance modernisation program. You'll also benefit from a thorough handover ahead of the current CFO's retirement in 2027.

Shape long-term financial sustainability, developing the strategy for an agency that recovers almost 100% of its costs from industry

Lead finance modernisation, replacing manual processes with automation and making better use of data

Gain direct Board exposure, preparing and presenting financial advice - valuable experience for those with SES ambitions

Influence major investment decisions, contributing to a significant IT investment proposal involving Finance, DAFF and the DTA

Lead an experienced team, giving you the capacity to focus on strategy, leadership and change

Work for a bigger purpose, supporting a national regulator that protects people, animals and the environment

The Role

Reporting to the COO, you'll lead the APVMA's Finance and Procurement section, managing a team of eight across Armidale and Canberra.

Working closely with the executive leadership team, your responsibilities will include:

Develop and deliver the agency's financial strategy, including long-term sustainability, funding arrangements and resource planning

Provide strategic financial advice to the CEO, Board and senior executives, supporting key financial and investment decisions

Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and cost recovery arrangements, including CRIS implementation and pricing reviews

Lead financial and procurement governance, ensuring sound risk management and compliance with Commonwealth frameworks and legislation

Modernise finance systems and processes, including TechnologyOne, with a focus on automation, data and stronger financial controls

Build financial capability across the agency, helping leaders make informed financial and investment decisions

Lead and develop your team, while building strong relationships with central agencies, auditors and other key stakeholders

The Ideal Person

You might already be a CFO in a smaller agency, or a Deputy CFO or Finance Director in a larger one, looking for the opportunity to take on more responsibility and drive real change.

You’ll bring:

Strong Commonwealth finance experience, with a solid understanding of government financial management, governance and reporting requirements

Experience with cost recovery arrangements, ideally including CRIS development and implementation

The ability to think strategically about financial sustainability, investment and long-term planning

Confidence advising CEOs and Boards, with strong judgement and the ability to communicate complex financial matters clearly

Experience leading capable teams, improving processes and driving change

You’ll also need to be an Australian citizen and able to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance.

Relevant tertiary qualifications in accounting, finance or a related field

CA, CPA or equivalent professional qualification

$154,097 to $178,313 + 15.4% superannuation

Based in Armidale NSW or Canberra ACT

Flexible working arrangements by agreement are welcomed