Finance Governance Lead

Victorian Government Solicitor's Office; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 116,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office in Melbourne seeks a Finance Governance Lead to strengthen VGSO's financial controls, risk management and procurement governance. You will oversee month-end accounting, balance sheet governance and improve reporting across the organisation.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Financial Control, you will lead accounts payable, implement policy enhancements, manage contracts, and build capability with leaders and external stakeholders in a flexible hybrid

Qualifications

• Strong financial accounting across month-end/year-end processes.
• Robust governance, risk management and internal controls experience.
• Experience with procurement, contract management and financial delegations.
• Ability to translate complex financial information into clear reports for leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead month-end financial accounting activities and balance sheet governance.
• Strengthen financial controls and procurement monitoring frameworks.
• Oversee accounts payable function and drive process improvements.
• Enhance financial reporting, systems, and governance across VGSO.
• Build capability and stakeholder relationships with senior leaders and external providers.

Skills

Financial accounting

Month-end close

Year-end close

General ledger

Journals & accruals

Financial controls

Governance & risk

Procurement & contracts

Leadership & change

ERP reporting & BI

Education

Accounting/Finance degree

CPA Australia/CA ANZ accreditation

Tools

Oracle Cloud

Axiom

Job description

Victorian Government Solicitor's Office - Melbourne VIC

The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) values diversity and seeks to attract and retain a diverse workforce with the best people for the role. We welcome applications from people of all ages, disability, ethnicity, family and caring responsibilities, gender, religion, sexual orientation and cultures including people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage. If you require a copy of this advertisement or any attached documentation in an accessible format, such as large print, please email *******@vgso.vic.gov.au

• 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 rec ords.
• 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.