Finance Governance Lead

Department of Justice and Community Safety, Victoria; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 116,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) is seeking a Finance Governance Lead to manage VGSO's financial governance and controls within the Corporate Services branch. You will lead accounts payable, strengthen risk management and procurement frameworks, and work with senior stakeholders to ensure robust financial stewardship.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Financial Control, you will drive month-end processes, balance sheet governance and improvements across reporting, controls and

Qualifications

• Strong financial accounting expertise across month-end and year-end processes.
• Ability to safeguard integrity and accuracy of financial records and reporting.
• Experience strengthening governance, risk management and internal control frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounts payable function and develop the team.
• Ensure compliance with the Financial Management Act 1994 and accounting standards.
• Strengthen procurement policies, processes and contracts oversight.
• Identify and manage financial, compliance and operational risks.
• Maintain balance sheet governance and accounting treatments.
• Drive improvements in financial reporting, systems and controls.
• Build relationships with leaders, auditors and service providers.

Skills

Financial accounting

Governance & risk management

Leadership

Financial analysis

Communication with senior stakeholders

Continuous improvement

Education

Degree in accounting/finance/commerce

CPA Australia / CA ANZ accreditation

Tools

Oracle Cloud

Axiom

ERP systems

Job description

• Manage financial governance functions across the VGSO
• Build capability and drive continuous improvement across financial operations and control areas systems and processes
• Hybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work
• Ongoing | Full-time (open to considering part-time)

About This Role

• Manage financial governance functions across the VGSO
• Build capability and drive continuous improvement across financial operations and control areas systems and processes
• Hybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work
• Ongoing | Full-time (open to considering part-time)
• VPS Grade 5 $116,413 - $140,849 plus superannuation per annum

About The VGSO

The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) serves the rule of law exclusively for the State.

The VGSO provides responsive legal services exclusively for the Victorian Government and public sector. Our place within government ensures we are at the centre of legal change, reform and problem-solving. We operate as a service-driven legal professional practice and strive for excellence in this competitive environment. We role-model the Victorian Public Sector values and VGSO's Our Compass pillars, which guides how we work together in everything we do: Proud of what we do; Value every voice; Learn, grow, thrive; Always evolving; Act with care.

About The Branch

The Corporate Services branch plays a crucial role in enabling VGSO's overall success by providing essential support and strategic guidance to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. Balancing an appreciation of the complexities and nuances of the public sector, along with the requirements of operating in a competitive legal services environment, the branch delivers proactive, effective and efficient services to VGSO's internal and external clients.

Through its work, the Corporate Services branch fosters a cohesive and supportive environment that encourages innovation, continuous improvement, and a client-centric approach.

Functionally, the following business areas are included within the Corporate Services branch:

• Financial Planning and Analysis
• Technology and Knowledge Management
• Client Insights and Communications

About The Role

As the Finance Governance Lead, you will manage and enhance VGSO's financial governance functions, ensuring robust financial controls and effective financial risk and procurement management.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Financial Control, you will lead month-end financial accounting activities, maintain balance sheet governance and strengthen financial controls, compliance and risk management. You will also contribute to procurement policy and monitoring frameworks that support sound financial stewardship across VGSO.

Leading and developing the accounts payable function, you will set clear expectations, build capability and foster accountability, engagement and continuous improvement. You will work closely with leaders, external stakeholders and service providers to deliver strategic and operational outcomes.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Leading and developing the accounts payable function to support a high-performing and engaged team.
• Ensuring compliance with the Financial Management Act 1994, Australian Accounting Standards, Financial Reporting Directions and relevant departmental policies.
• Strengthening procurement policies, processes, monitoring and reporting frameworks, including oversight of the contracts register.
• Identifying and managing emerging financial, compliance and operational risks through effective governance and control mechanisms.
• Maintaining oversight of balance sheet governance, accounting treatments and financial controls to protect the accuracy and completeness of financial records.
• Implementing improvements across financial reporting, systems, controls and processes to enhance organisational performance and decision-making.
• Building influential relationships with leaders, external stakeholders and service providers.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional to strengthen financial governance, build team capability and contribute to the performance of Victoria's trusted legal partner.

Skills And Experience

You will be an experienced finance professional who combines strong technical expertise with sound judgement, collaborative leadership and a passion for continuous improvement. You will bring:

• Strong financial accounting expertise across month-end and year-end processes, general ledger management, journals, accruals, reconciliations and financial controls.
• A proven ability to safeguard the integrity, accuracy and completeness of financial records and reporting in a complex operating environment.
• Practical experience strengthening governance, risk management and internal control frameworks, including procurement, contract management and financial delegations.
• The credibility and communication skills to provide trusted advice, influence outcomes and build productive relationships with senior leaders, auditors, service providers and other stakeholders.
• The ability to translate complex financial information into clear, concise analysis, reports and recommendations that support effective decision-making.
• Demonstrated leadership, initiative and resilience, with experience developing capability and leading change and continuous improvement.
• Advanced proficiency in financial modelling, business intelligence and ERP systems, with the ability to use technology to improve reporting, controls and business performance.
• Tertiary qualifications in accounting, finance, commerce or a related discipline, together with current CPA Australia, CA ANZ or equivalent professional accreditation.

Experience in a professional services or government environment will be well regarded.

Experience with Oracle Cloud, Axiom or a comparable financial reporting or ERP system will be highly regarded, as will experience in finance transformation, system implementation or business process improvement.

Please note: Applicants must hold current CPA Australia, CA ANZ or equivalent professional accreditation to be considered for this opportunity.

Benefits

VGSO offers an inclusive, collegiate and collaborative work environment where you will be well-supported and mentored to develop your knowledge. You will also be given excellent career opportunities to progress and develop within the organisation.

VGSO embraces flexibility and recognises the importance of work-life balance. We offer a flexible hybrid work arrangement, allowing employees to spend half of their time working remotely and the other half in the office. This setup encourages collaboration and strengthens team connections, while supporting your ability to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.

Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.