Principal Finance Business Partner AI and Technology

Fortescue Pre-Order Sales; Perth; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Fortescue is seeking a commercially minded Principal Finance Business Partner to work across AI and Technology portfolios, based in Perth. The role partners with AI product owners and senior leaders to shape investments, test assumptions and track value realisation.

Reporting to Finance leadership, you will develop business cases, provide actionable recommendations and influence decisions to align investments with Fortescue's objectives.

Qualifications

• Finance or Commercial degree; CPA or CA qualifications preferable.
• Significant experience in management accounting or finance business partnering.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen with ability to explain complex data.
• Exposure to AI tools to improve efficiency or willingness to explore.
• Experience with SAP preferred; Power BI and/or Anaplan highly regarded.
• Advanced Excel skills and ability to influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Partner with AI product owners and senior stakeholders to provide commercial insight across AI and Technology.
• Develop and challenge investment proposals and business cases, testing assumptions and value.
• Support investment prioritisation and governance by preparing papers and recommendations.
• Track investments and benefits, assess value realisation and required actions.
• Provide portfolio-level analysis of investment performance and funding trade-offs.
• Use forecasts, budgets and variance analysis to identify risks and opportunities.
• Coordinate month-end, forecasts and annual budgets with clear commentary for leadership.
• Monitor financial performance across the business and identify cost-optimisation opportunities.
• Maintain sound controls and drive process improvements with the finance team.

Skills

Financial analysis

Stakeholder management

Forecasting

Budgeting

Commercial acumen

Decision support

Education

Finance or Commercial degree

CPA or CA (preferred)

Tools

SAP

Power BI

Anaplan

Excel

Job description

Our Opportunity

Work Location: Perth CBD. Fortescue's Perth office is located on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk people.

Roster: Monday to Friday

• Fixed term 12 - 14 month parental leave cover

We are seeking a commercially minded Principal Finance Business Partner to work across Fortescue's AI and Technology portfolios, including digital products and investments. You will partner with AI product owners, technology leaders and senior stakeholders to shape investment decisions, assess value and support delivery of the portfolios.

Reporting to the Manager Finance Business Partnering – Technology, Innovation and CFO, you will be a trusted advisor who connects financial performance, product value and organisational priorities. You will develop and challenge business cases, test assumptions, assess financial and non-financial benefits, as well as track value realisation. You will also contribute to investment prioritisation and governance forums, providing clear recommendations and constructive challenge to the Technology and AI Lead teams.

This role combines strategic commercial advice with core financial stewardship. You will use forecasts, performance reporting and portfolio analysis to surface risks, opportunities, funding trade-offs and decisions required. You will influence senior leaders and committees, ensuring AI and Technology investments are aligned with organisational objectives and deliver lasting value for Fortescue.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with AI product owners, technical leaders and senior stakeholders to provide commercial advice and financial insight across AI and Technology.
• Develop and challenge investment proposals and business cases, testing assumptions and evaluating financial and non-financial value.
• Support investment prioritisation and governance forums by preparing decision papers, providing clear recommendations and constructive challenge.
• Track approved investments and product benefits, assess value realisation and identify where action or course correction may be needed.
• Provide portfolio-level analysis of investment performance, funding trade-offs, resource allocation and value across AI and Technology.
• Use forecasts, budgets, performance reporting and variance analysis to identify risks, opportunities and decisions required.
• Lead the coordination of accurate month-end results, quarterly forecasts and annual budgets, with clear commentary for senior stakeholders.
• Partner across the business to monitor financial performance, identify improvement opportunities and support cost optimisation.
• Maintain sound financial controls, reporting and accounting practices in line with accounting standards and Fortescue Group Accounting Policies; improve finance processes, systems and automation in collaboration with the wider finance team.
• Mentor and support junior team members, and promote a team culture aligned with Fortescue's values.

Qualifications And Experience

• Finance or Commercial degree, as well as CPA or CA qualifications preferable
• Significant experience in management accounting or finance business partnering roles
• Strong financial and commercial acumen with the ability to interpret and explain complex financial information.
• Exposure to using AI tools to improve efficiency and ways of working, or enthusiasm to explore their practical application.
• Experience with SAP preferred; exposure to Power BI and/or Anaplan will be highly regarded.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive change.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with operational teams and senior management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and operate with a high degree of autonomy and flexibility.

About Us

Be part of something big. Fortescue is leading the world with our plan to decarbonise our iron ore operations, projects that harness renewable energy and the development of technology that will change our planet forever.

Our Commitment

Fortescue celebrates individual strengths and team members are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. Our global workforce drives and promotes an inclusive culture, both within our organisation and throughout the communities we interact with. Diverse backgrounds include First Nations Peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ community, gender, neurodiverse, cultural diversity, all age groups, and those with an intersectional or multiple diverse characteristics. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.