Financial Operations Assistant Director

Department of Defence; Puckapunyal; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Defence is seeking an EL 1 Financial Operations Assistant Director to lead strategic, technical and people leadership within a high-volume Accounts Payable function. You will direct geographically dispersed teams and ensure timely supplier payments while driving automation and continuous improvement.

You will provide expert financial advice, manage stakeholder relationships and contribute to strategic planning and operational excellence across Defence entities.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading finance operations in complex environments.
• Experience providing expert financial advice and strategic planning.
• Ability to manage high-volume Accounts Payable operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-volume invoice processing and supplier payments.
• Manage Quality Assurance Framework and reporting.
• Drive automation and continuous improvement in AP services.
• Coordinate with stakeholders and implement system enhancements.
• Support cross-site AP operations and coaching of staff.

Skills

Leadership

Finance operations

Stakeholder management

Automation initiatives

Job description

Are you an experienced operational leader who thrives in a complex and fast-paced financial environment?

Defence Finance Group is seeking an EL 1 Financial Operations Assistant Director to provide strategic, technical and people leadership within a high-volume Accounts Payable function. Reporting to the Director, you will lead geographically dispersed teams across South Australia, Victoria and Queensland, ensuring the delivery of high-quality Accounts Payable services while driving continuous improvement, automation and a positive, high-performing culture.

You will provide expert financial advice, manage stakeholder relationships, and contribute to strategic planning and operational excellence. You will hold responsibility for either the Processing or Enquiries portfolio and lead operations at one Accounts Payable site (South Australia (Edinburgh) or Victoria (Puckapunyal)/ Queensland (Enoggera)).

Working closely with the other EL1 portfolio lead, you will support Accounts Payable outcomes across Defence and supported entities, including the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA), Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator (ANNPSR).

Enquiries Portfolio

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the resolution of supplier invoice and payment enquiries.
• Managing the Quality Assurance Framework.
• Producing operational and executive reporting.
• Managing e-Invoicing reporting, education and onboarding activities.
• Monitoring service performance and identifying improvement opportunities.

Processing Portfolio

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading high-volume invoice processing operations.
• Ensuring supplier payments are accurate and timely.
• Driving automation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Resolving operational and system issues.
• Partnering with stakeholders to implement system enhancements and address processing incidents.

Across both portfolios, you will champion a One Accounts Payable culture, support organisational change, manage key stakeholder relationships, and develop workforce capability through coaching, mentoring and knowledge sharing.

About our Team

Accounts Payable is a critical function within the finance department responsible for managing Defence invoices. The team plays a vital role in ensuring supplier invoices are processed accurately and paid on time, while ensuring adherence to government policies, contract terms and helping maintain strong supplier relationships.

We provide a working environment that offers a diverse range of work, flexibility to be innovative, work with talented colleagues, and be guided and supported to ensure you always have everything needed to succeed.

Specific advantages include:

• The flexibility to work in a range of locations across Australia.
• A career pathway with comprehensive professionalisation and skilling programs to support your development.
• Opportunities to work with visionary and experienced Financial processing specialists.
• The opportunity may arise to travel to other sites.
• Ability to work within a bandwidth of 0700 and 1900 to meet business outcomes.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our Ideal candidate for Financial Systems and Operations will:

• Have significant experience leading finance operations in a complex, customer-focused environment.
• Effectively manage teams, resources, priorities and business outcomes.
• Demonstrate strategic thinking, identifying risks, opportunities and improvement initiatives.
• Build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Analyse complex issues and implement practical, business-focused solutions.
• Deliver high-quality outcomes within agreed timeframes and standards.
• Foster team capability through mentoring, coaching and professional development.
• Demonstrate integrity, accountability and sound judgement.
• Possess a strong understanding of Accounts Payable operations and the Australian Government financial environment.

Security Clearance

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at Baseline Vetting level.

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