Finance Advisor / Finance Policy Adviser

Department of Defence; Canberra; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Defence Canberra seeks a Finance Advisor / Finance Policy Adviser to support governance and budgeting within the Integrated Investment Program (IIP). The role involves monthly financial reporting, bi-annual budget reviews, and preparation of briefing materials for senior executives and ministers, ensuring accuracy and timeliness across finance processes.

Ideal candidates possess strong communication, stakeholder management, data analysis, and knowledge of SAP, with relevant finance

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to prepare clear, accurate materials.
• Proven stakeholder management with ability to build positive working relationships.
• Experience with government budget processes or willingness to develop these skills.
• High attention to detail in financial data and reporting.
• Data analysis, insight and research skills to support decision making.
• Familiarity with SAP based systems or quick learning ability.

Responsibilities

• Undertake monthly reporting activities for senior executive and ministerial updates.
• Support bi-annual budget reviews, including planning and system readiness.
• Assist consolidation of budget outcomes and prepare briefing materials.
• Draft presentations, minute taking and other Secretariat tasks.
• Provide financial policy and technical support to leadership.
• Support financial closure of project processes and ensure policy compliance.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Stakeholder management

Attention to detail

Data analysis

Research skills

SAP proficiency

Learn quickly

Quality focus

Security clearance readiness

Budget processes

Education

Finance/commerce/accounting qualifications

Tools

SAP

Job description

Finance Advisor / Finance Policy Adviser

Capability Advice and Analysis Branch is seeking a Finance and Policy Adviser in the IIP Delivery Support and Governance Directorate.

This position is to support the central governance and budget processes related to the Approved Acquisition program within the Integrated Investment Program (IIP).

• Undertake monthly reporting activities that contribute to senior executive and ministerial level updates of the financial management of the IIP. This includes identifying trends, risks and opportunities, while ensuring accuracy and timeliness of drafts.
• Support the functions associated with bi‑annual budget reviews of the Approved Acquisition Program. Under the direction of the Assistant Director, this will included developing a schedule/plan for the activity, supporting in system preparedness functions, and support Finance Business Partners in undertaking the budget review, but providing advice and guidance to stakeholders.
• Assist with the consolidation of outcomes from the bi‑annual budget reviews and developing briefing materials to support senior executive decision making.
• Assist in the ongoing Secretariat functions within the team, including drafting presentations on discrete financial management topics, minute taking, developing outcomes etc.
• Provide support to the Assistant Director and Director on technical and policy matters as required.
• Assist in financial closure of project processes, including engaging with Chart of Accounts, Finance Business partners and project terms to ensure compliance with policy in undertaking the requisite closure steps.

About our Team

Capability Advice and Analysis Branch (CAAB) supports the Department of Defence in delivering its objectives outlined in the Integrated Investment Program (IIP) and National Defence Strategy, including the in‑year management of over $35bn across both the Acquisition and Sustainment key cost categories.

CAAB provides strategic advice to senior officials within Defence on the financial management of the IIP to ensure its in‑year and ongoing affordability.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our Ideal Candidate is a motivated and energetic self‑starter who has experience in leadership roles. You will be capable of managing a variety of concurrent tasks under competing time pressures, and are able to foster a cohesive and supportive work environment.

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and attributes:

• A strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including developing and maintaining positive working relationships;
• A high level of attention to detail;
• Strong data analysis, insight and research skills;
• Proficiency in SAP based systems, or demonstrated ability to learn quickly;
• An ability to produce quality work within short time frames;
• A commitment to continuous improvement;
• An ability to work in a high‑security environment;
• Experience with government budget processes (internal or external) - or a willingness to develop these skills; and
• Relevant finance, commerce and/or accounting qualifications are desirable.

Security Clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

Getting to know the Department of Defence

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work‑life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers