Financial Accountant

Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee assistance program

Health insurance discount

Job summary

Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) in Melbourne’s Southbank is seeking a senior finance professional to support strong financial management, producing annual financial statements and monthly reporting. This fixed-term parental leave backfill runs until September 2027, reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, guiding a team and ensuring FMCF compliance.

You will bring CPA/CA qualification, solid Oracle/Axiom/Excel experience, and strong technical accounting knowledge within a

Qualifications

• CPA/CA membership or an equivalent recognised professional accounting qualification.
• Demonstrated experience using Oracle, Axiom and Microsoft Excel, or similar financial management, reporting and analytical platforms.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and experience applying Australian Accounting Standards.
• Experience working within government, the public sector or a similarly complex and highly regulated environment.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills, with a collaborative and continuous improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Prepare annual and monthly financial statements and coordinate year-end audit process, including liaison with external auditors and VAGO.
• Manage month-end accounting activities, including accruals, journals, reconciliations and general ledger integrity.
• Oversee core financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, GST, FBT and purchasing card requirements.
• Deliver financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting and variance reporting, providing meaningful insights to support informed decision-making.
• Lead and support finance staff while continuously improving financial policies, systems, controls and compliance practices.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Education

CPA/CA

Tools

Oracle

Axiom

Excel

Job description

Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine – Southbank VIC

We provide the justice system with quality driven, independent forensic medical and scientific services, delivering crucial evidence that underpins safe convictions and appropriate acquittals. Our doctors, scientists and nurses investigate deaths reported to the coroner, examine alleged offenders, and medically assess and support victims of crime. They are supported by the essential work of our technical specialists and corporate staff who enable these services to operate effectively.

Our work is underpinned by the VIFM's values of respect, openness, service, integrity and innovation, which guide how we work with the community, the justice system and each other.

VIFM is based in Southbank in Melbourne's CBD, just a short ten-minute walk from Flinders Street railway station. We offer fulfilling careers across a diverse range of roles, including forensic pathology, clinical forensic medicine, forensic science, nursing, technician work, medico legal casework, and corporate support services.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, you will work collaboratively across the organisation to support strong financial management and reporting. You will be responsible for preparing annual financial statements in accordance with relevant accounting standards and the Financial Management Act, as well as monthly financial reporting. The role also plays an important part in ensuring day-to-day financial activities comply with the Financial Management Compliance Framework (FMCF).

This is a fixed-term parental leave backfill opportunity until September 2027.

• Prepare annual and monthly financial statements and coordinate the year-end audit process, including liaison with external auditors and VAGO.
• Manage month-end accounting activities, including accruals, journals, reconciliations and general ledger integrity.
• Oversee core financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, GST, FBT and purchasing card requirements.
• Deliver financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting and variance reporting, providing meaningful insights to support informed decision-making.
• Lead and support finance staff while continuously improving financial policies, systems, controls and compliance practices.

About You

You are an experienced and collaborative finance professional with strong technical accounting knowledge, analytical capability and sound judgement. You are a confident communicator and supportive people leader who enjoys guiding and developing team members, building strong stakeholder relationships and solving complex financial matters.

You will bring hands-on experience with Oracle, Axiom and Microsoft Excel, or similar financial management, reporting and analytical platforms, along with a continuous improvement mindset and the ability to identify opportunities to strengthen financial processes, systems and controls.

Key Qualifications and Attributes

• CPA/CA membership or an equivalent recognised professional accounting qualification.
• Demonstrated experience using Oracle, Axiom and Microsoft Excel, or similar financial management, reporting and analytical platforms.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and experience applying Australian Accounting Standards.
• Experience working within government, the public sector or a similarly complex and highly regulated environment.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills, with a collaborative and continuous improvement mindset.

What we offer

Working at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) will give you rewarding experiences and the opportunity to do extraordinary work. You will enjoy:

• An employee assistance program (EAP)
• Discount on health insurance through HCF

Eligibility

• Applicants must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a valid visa or work permit that allows them to undertake the position.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

At VIFM, we value and celebrate the diversity of our employees, including their age, gender, culture, religion, sexual orientation, abilities and life experiences. We recognise that diverse experiences and perspectives strengthen our work and contribute to the wellbeing of all. Our aim is to provide a safe and inclusive workplace that reflects the community we serve, where everyone is supported to bring their whole selves to work.).

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include reference checks, national police checks and misconduct screening.

For any enquiries or adjustment relating to this role, please reach out toIsha Shah- Talent Management Advisor via email- *********@vifm.org