Principal Finance Business Partner AI and Technology

Fortescue Ltd; Perth; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Fortescue Metals Group in Perth CBD is seeking a commercially minded Principal Finance Business Partner to work across 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 and support delivery of the portfolios.

Reporting to the Manager Finance Business Partnering – Technology, Innovation and CFO, you will develop and test business cases, track value realisation

Qualifications

• Finance or Commercial degree required; CPA/CA preferable.
• Significant experience in management accounting or finance business partnering.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen; ability to explain complex financial information.
• Exposure to AI tools to improve efficiency or willingness to explore.

Responsibilities

• Partner with AI product owners, tech leaders and senior stakeholders to provide commercial and financial insight.
• Develop and challenge investment proposals and business cases; test assumptions and value.
• Support investment prioritisation and governance by preparing decision papers and recommendations.
• Track investments and benefits; assess value realisation and course corrections as needed.
• Provide portfolio-level analysis of investment performance, funding trade-offs and resource allocation.
• Lead month-end, forecasts, and annual budgets with clear commentary for leaders.
• Monitor financial performance and identify cost optimisation opportunities.
• Maintain sound financial controls and drive automation with the finance team.
• Mentor junior staff and promote Fortescue values.

Skills

Stakeholder influence

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Multi-priority management

AI tools exposure

SAP experience

Power BI familiarity

Anaplan familiarity

Advanced Excel

Education

Finance or Commercial degree

CPA or CA qualifications preferable

Tools

SAP

Power BI

Anaplan

Excel

Job description

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Principal Finance Business Partner AI and Technology

Country/Region: AU

State: WA

City: Perth

Job ID: 19095

Principal Finance Business Partner AI and Technology

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.

Fortescue reserves the right to close applications early should a suitable pool of candidates be identified.Fortescue will never contact you to ask for payment of any kind, whether directly or through a third party.