EL 1 - Finance Business Partner

Defence Australia; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 124,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Defence Australia seeks an EL 1 Finance Business Partner to lead the Aerospace Systems Finance team based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, SA. You will deliver embedded financial services to Defence programs, providing strategic advice and financial assurance to senior stakeholders while supporting budget management, resource allocation and procurement outcomes.

The successful candidate will have strong accounting/finance experience, CPA/CA qualifications are highly desirable, and a proven ability to

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in accounting/finance.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication across senior levels.
• Public sector governance, compliance and accountability familiarity.
• Experience delivering strategic financial advice in complex environments.
• CPA/CA qualifications are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team delivering embedded financial services to Defence capability programs.
• Provide strategic financial advice and financial assurance to senior stakeholders.
• Support budget management, resource allocation and procurement outcomes.
• Deliver financial management information to enable informed decision-making.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Forecasting

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Governance

Procurement

Analytical thinking

Strategic advisory

Education

CPA/CA desirable

Job description

• $124,393 - $140,315 + up to 15.4% Superannuation
• Adelaide - SA

The Role

Defence Finance Group is seeking an outstanding leader to join the Aerospace Systems Finance team as an EL 1 Finance Business Partner. Based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, you will support the Surveillance, Intelligence and Life Support Systems Program Office (SILSPO), including AIR555 Long Range ISREW Aircraft project, the MC-55A Peregrine in sustainment, and Aeronautical Life Support Equipment.

You will lead a team delivering embedded financial services to complex Defence capability acquisition and sustainment programs. The role provides strategic financial advice, financial assurance and contestability to senior stakeholders, supporting budget management, resource allocation, procurement and capability delivery outcomes.

The successful candidate will have strong financial management and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to provide trusted advice in a complex operating environment. Experience in a similar finance business partnering role, management accounting expertise, and professional accounting qualifications (CPA/CA) are highly desirable.

Due to the complexity of the supported programs and the need for close stakeholder engagement, the successful candidate will be expected to work from the office a minimum of three days per week. This role supports unique financial management arrangements, including Foreign Military Sales (FMS), and requires regular in-person collaboration with stakeholders and project office personnel.

About our Team

Finance Air, Land and Joint Branch is responsible for providing financial advice, budget management and governance across Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) for acquisition and sustainment programs. Working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, the branch supports informed decision-making by ensuring financial resources are effectively planned, managed and reported.

Financial Performance and Management (FP&M) Division consists of over 450 staff working in seven branches, each managing around $6 billion per year, with embedded finance staff across the country working closely with business areas. Principally, the Division is responsible for delivering financial management information and advice to ensure Defence leaders can make well-informed decisions. Think big numbers, many complex projects running in parallel, and close public scrutiny requiring carefully managed finances.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate will have experience in accounting, finance or a related discipline and demonstrated capability leading teams and delivering strategic financial advice in a complex environment. You will be a strong communicator with excellent stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to translate complex financial information into practical advice for decision-makers.

• Experience leading, coaching and developing teams to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, analysis, reporting and performance monitoring.
• The ability to provide trusted, evidence-based financial advice to senior leaders.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to build productive relationships across multiple organisational levels.
• Experience identifying financial risks, opportunities and emerging issues, and providing practical recommendations.
• Sound understanding of public sector governance, compliance and accountability frameworks.
• Experience supporting complex projects, procurement activities and commercial decision-making.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and present clear recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing briefs, executive correspondence and financial reports.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and customer-focused service delivery.
• The ability to balance strategic priorities with operational delivery in a dynamic environment.
• Professional judgement ?
• Professional judgement, resilience and a collaborative approach to achieving outcomes.

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