Principal Consultant – Financial Policy

Department of Education WA; Perth; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Generous leave entitlements

Professional development opportunities

Salary packaging options

Public transport access

Job summary

The Department of Education WA in East Perth is seeking a permanent, full-time Principal Consultant – Financial Policy to lead policy development and governance across central services and schools. You will provide expert advice on financial policy, conduct research, engage stakeholders and help shape financial decisions for Western Australia's public education system.

We value extensive accounting experience with knowledge of Australian Accounting Standards, the Financial Management Act 2006

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in financial management and policy.
• Knowledge of Australian Accounting Standards and related legislation.
• Ability to engage with stakeholders across the public sector.

Responsibilities

• Develop, review and implement financial policies and procedures for central services and schools.
• Provide expert advice on financial policy matters through research and option appraisal.
• Engage with stakeholders to support informed decision-making and governance.

Skills

Financial policy

Stakeholder engagement

Policy development

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/commerce/finance

Tools

Australian Accounting Standards

Financial Management Act 2006

Job description

Department of Education WA – East Perth WA

This is a permanent full-time position commencing ASAP

Financial Services are responsible for key finance-related functions, including financial policy and governance, financial reporting and school financial management and support.

The Role

The Finance and Commercial Services Division is seeking a highly motivated Principal Consultant – Financial Policy to join the Financial Services Branch.

We welcome applications from accounting professionals with diverse experience and career pathways.

Are you an experienced enthusiastic and curious accounting professional looking for a senior level opportunity to further your career?

Join a vibrant and enthusiastic team of accounting professionals and play a key role in shaping financial policy across the Department of Education.

This diverse and rewarding role offers an experienced accounting professional the opportunity to influence financial governance, support informed decision-making, and contribute to positive outcomes for public education in Western Australia.

As the Principal Consultant Financial Policy, you will develop, review and implement financial policies and procedures that support both central services and schools to ensure compliance with legislation. Working within a complex and dynamic environment, you will provide expert advice on financial policy matters through conducting research, considering options and engaging with stakeholders.

Our ideal candidate will have extensive experience and knowledge in financial management, accounting standards and legislative compliance, including a strong understanding of Australian Accounting Standards, the Financial Management Act 2006, Financial Regulations, Treasurer's Instructions and other relevant legislation.

You will have well developed interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive stakeholder relationships at all levels

This is an excellent opportunity to apply your expertise in a role that offers variety, influence and the chance to make a lasting impact across one of Western Australia's largest public sector organisations.

Professional Benefits

We are conveniently located in East Perth and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include:

• While this is a full time position, flexible working arrangements are genuinely considered to create healthy work life balance
• Generous leave entitlements including annual, personal, long service and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance
• Access to salary packaging (in accordance with relevant industrial instruments)
• Enjoy easy access to public transport with the Claisebrook train station just a 5-minute walk away or, take advantage of the free Yellow Cat bus service that stops outside our building entrance. Additionally, various CPP parking locations are within walking distance.
• The Department is on the CPA Recognised Employer Program and we also provide mentoring for the Institute of Chartered Accounts Australia and New Zealand CA Program.

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Anitra Mattiussi, Manager Financial Policy and Governance on (08) 9264 43***or by emailing ***************@education.wa.edu.au

We are committed to building the leadership capability of our people (Building Leadership Impact).

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our workplaces and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

To work with us, you must:

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.
• hold a relevant tertiary qualification in business, commerce, finance or related field
• obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check

More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website and in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Shortlisted applicants will have their skills and experiences in relation to the remaining selection criteria assessed in the further stages of the recruitment process

Please note that the panel will not assess information beyond the page limits outlined above, or additional attachments.

Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE1070669

Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies that arise in our branch within the next 12 months. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close:

4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 2 November 2026

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