Finance Business Partner

Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

The Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources is seeking a trusted finance leader to manage a Finance Business Partner team and provide strategic financial guidance across divisions. You will collaborate with executives to translate financial information into actionable advice and ensure robust financial services.

Applicants should be qualified accountants (CPA/CA preferred) with experience in budgeting, forecasting, reporting and governance, and a commitment to leadership

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified accountant with professional accreditation (CPA/CA) or equivalent experience.
• Experience delivering budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and performance insights.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Finance Business Partner team to deliver high-quality financial services.
• Provide strategic financial advice to CFO and senior executives.
• Build partnerships with client divisions and support informed decision-making.
• Oversee budgets, forecasts and staffing allocations across divisions.
• Champion continuous improvement in finance partnering practices.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Stakeholder management

Financial acumen

FMIS experience

Education

CPA or CA accreditation

Tools

TechnologyOne FMIS

Job description

Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources – Sydney NSW

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the team

About the division

The Chief Finance Officer Division is made up of four branches. They are:

• Financial Applications and External Budgets
• Strategy, Performance, Procurement and Assurance
• Financial and Shared Services

About the branch

The Financial Management Branch provides the financial leadership, advice and services that support the department to achieve its strategic objectives. We partner with business areas to deliver budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and performance insights, helping leaders make informed decisions and effectively manage public resources.

The branch is also responsible for the department's financial reporting, taxation and treasury functions, ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements and maintaining strong financial governance. Through strategic advice, robust financial management practices and a focus on continuous improvement, we help ensure the department remains financially sustainable, accountable and well positioned to deliver outcomes for the Australian community.

You are a trusted finance leader who can operate with independence, judgement and influence in a complex APS environment. You are comfortable working at the intersection of financial stewardship, executive decision-making, client service and people leadership.

You will be:

• a collaborative and credible leader who builds respectful and productive relationships with Senior Executives, managers, peers, team members and stakeholders across the department
• a degree-qualified accountant, ideally with professional accreditation such as CPA or CA, or equivalent relevant experience.
• a strategic thinker who can connect financial information with business plans, departmental priorities, risks, opportunities and whole-of-government requirements
• an experienced management accountant who can interpret and apply the Commonwealth financial framework, including the PGPA Act, budget processes, financial reporting, forecasting and resource management obligations
• a confident communicator who can translate complex financial issues into clear advice, briefs, reports and options for finance and non-finance audiences
• an effective business partner who uses data, analysis and stakeholder insight to provide forward-looking advice rather than simply reporting historical results
• a mature and resilient leader with sound judgement, emotional intelligence and the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines
• confident in using complex financial management systems, including TechnologyOne or similar FMIS platforms, and committed to strong data quality and controls
• a coach and mentor who builds capability, supports performance, encourages professional growth and creates a positive, inclusive and accountable team culture
• focused on continuous improvement, including improving business partnering practices, strengthening financial acumen and delivering practical, client-focused finance services

Our department is committed to inclusion and diversity, with an ambition of being the best possible place to work. This reflects the importance we place on our people and on creating a workplace culture where each and every one of us is valued and respected for our contribution. Our ideal candidate adds to this culture and our workplace in their own way.

About the department

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the team

About the division

The Chief Finance Officer Division is made up of four branches. They are:

• Financial Management
• Financial Applications and External Budgets
• Strategy, Performance, Procurement and Assurance
• Financial and Shared Services

About the branch

The Financial Management Branch provides the financial leadership, advice and services that support the department to achieve its strategic objectives. We partner with business areas to deliver budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and performance insights, helping leaders make informed decisions and effectively manage public resources.

The branch is also responsible for the department's financial reporting, taxation and treasury functions, ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements and maintaining strong financial governance. Through strategic advice, robust financial management practices and a focus on continuous improvement, we help ensure the department remains financially sustainable, accountable and well positioned to deliver outcomes for the Australian community.

Our ideal candidate

You are a trusted finance leader who can operate with independence, judgement and influence in a complex APS environment. You are comfortable working at the intersection of financial stewardship, executive decision-making, client service and people leadership.

You will be:

• a collaborative and credible leader who builds respectful and productive relationships with Senior Executives, managers, peers, team members and stakeholders across the department
• a degree-qualified accountant, ideally with professional accreditation such as CPA or CA, or equivalent relevant experience.
• a strategic thinker who can connect financial information with business plans, departmental priorities, risks, opportunities and whole-of-government requirements
• an experienced management accountant who can interpret and apply the Commonwealth financial framework, including the PGPA Act, budget processes, financial reporting, forecasting and resource management obligations
• a confident communicator who can translate complex financial issues into clear advice, briefs, reports and options for finance and non-finance audiences
• an effective business partner who uses data, analysis and stakeholder insight to provide forward-looking advice rather than simply reporting historical results
• a mature and resilient leader with sound judgement, emotional intelligence and the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines
• confident in using complex financial management systems, including TechnologyOne or similar FMIS platforms, and committed to strong data quality and controls
• a coach and mentor who builds capability, supports performance, encourages professional growth and creates a positive, inclusive and accountable team culture
• focused on continuous improvement, including improving business partnering practices, strengthening financial acumen and delivering practical, client-focused finance services

Our department is committed to inclusion and diversity, with an ambition of being the best possible place to work. This reflects the importance we place on our people and on creating a workplace culture where each and every one of us is valued and respected for our contribution. Our ideal candidate adds to this culture and our workplace in their own way.

The key duties of the position include:

As the Manager of a Finance Business Partner team, you will lead a team that provides tailored financial management services to support a number of divisions within the department. You will provide strategic financial advice, build strong partnerships with business areas, and ensure high-quality finance services support informed decision-making and effective use of public resources.

The role will include:

• leading and managing a Finance Business Partner team to deliver high-quality, timely and client-focused financial management services
• providing expert financial advice to the CFO, Senior Executives and Senior Managers on financial reporting, budget control, budget development, forecasting, financial planning and resource management
• building a deep understanding of client divisions’ business plans, budgets, priorities, projects, workforce settings and financial risks, and connecting this understanding to broader departmental priorities
• overseeing the preparation, allocation and ongoing management of assigned divisions’ budgets, forecasts and staffing allocations
• preparing and presenting clear financial analysis and reporting, including insights on performance, variances, emerging pressures, risks, opportunities and options for action
• coordinating responses to requests for financial data, reports, briefs and advice from internal and external stakeholders with both financial and non-financial backgrounds
• ensuring the quality, integrity and timely maintenance of financial information in the department’s FMIS, including oversight of month-end processes and related transactions
• working collaboratively across the Chief Finance Officer Division to ensure advice is consistent, well-coordinated and aligned with specialist finance, budget, procurement, systems and shared services functions
• leading continuous improvement in Finance Business Partner practices, reporting, guidance, processes and client service standards
• building financial capability and confidence across client divisions by providing practical guidance, constructive challenge and support for better financial management
• identifying, assessing and escalating financial risks and issues early, supported by clear evidence, sound judgement and practical recommendations
• coaching, mentoring and developing team members, managing priorities and performance, and fostering a positive, inclusive and professional team culture
• contributing to broader branch, division and departmental priorities, including initiatives that strengthen financial stewardship, governance, service delivery and workforce capability.

Eligibility

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.

Positions require a Baseline security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Notes

A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.

The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is based in ACT, NSW, or VIC, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

Getting to know the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR)

The department’s Enterprise Agreement and policies provide for a flexible working environment to assist staff balance their work and home life. Staff and managers work together to balance the operating needs of the department with the needs of the individual. Options may include full time/part time working arrangements, working from home or other arrangements. Our employees say they recommend our department as a good place to work. Our workplace is one that encourages and supports all employees to have a sense of belonging and a culture that allows them to bring their authentic selves to work every day. Our reconciliation vision supports a workforce with opportunities and career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The vision allows them to feel empowered and helps to ensure that the department and broader community can benefit from the knowledge and experience of Australia’s First Peoples. We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, nationalities and backgrounds including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, mature age, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people of the LGBTIQA+ community and people with disability. The department wants to give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their full potential during a recruitment process. We encourage candidates who require any adjustments or support as part of the recruitment process to reach out and discuss them with the job’s contact officer. Candidates are also welcome to contact our Inclusion team at *********@industry.gov.au for a confidential discussion if you identify from any of these diverse backgrounds and would like to discuss how we can support you.