Project Finance Manager

Ausnet; Ballarat; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

AusNet is seeking a Project Finance Manager to oversee the financial outcomes of the Western Renewables Link (WRL) project. You will lead the accounting team, manage the General Ledger, and ensure governance and compliance with AusNet policies.

You will partner with the WRL Leadership Team to drive strategic financial outcomes, oversee budgets and forecasts, and provide timely, insightful reporting to stakeholders. Quarterly site travel to Ballarat will be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or related field.
• Professional certification in Finance or Accounting (e.g., CA, CPA, CFA or equivalent).
• 10+ years’ experience in Finance or Accounting on complex infrastructure projects.
• Deep understanding of IFRS and Australian Accounting Standards (AAS).

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial risk and opportunity across the WRL project and lead the accounting team.
• Maintain General Ledger in line with guidelines for upstream/downstream Incentivised Target Cost Deeds.
• Partner with WRL Leadership Team to drive strategic outcomes with governance and risk oversight.
• Lead budgeting, reporting and forecasting aligned to project costs and AusNet requirements.
• Develop and lead a high performing finance team with coaching and accountability.
• Ensure reporting and forecasting in SAP reflects project classifications and budgets.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders and comply with AusNet policies.

Skills

Financial leadership

Strategic thinking

Team management

Financial analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor in Accounting/Finance

Professional accounting certification

Tools

SAP

Job description

Through purpose and people - not just through the infrastructure we operate, but through the way we show up for each other, our customers and our communities. The future of energy is in our hands. Let’s shape it together.

Are you ready to shape the future of energy?

This role will see you responsible for overseeing and providing leadership in the management of financial outcomes for the Western Renewables Link (WRL) project. As the Project Finance Manager you will enable the delivery of strategic, operational and financial accountabilities for the project.

What you’ll help deliver

• Manage financial risk and opportunity across the WRL project, leading the accounting team, overseeing and maintaining the General Ledger
• Ensuring financial management is conducted in accordance with the guidelines, processes and procedures that exist withing the upstream and downstream Incentivised Target Cost Delivery Deeds.
• Partner with WRL Leadership Team to develop and drive strategic outcomes whilst ensuring appropriate financial governance and risk management oversight.
• Collaborate and actively engage with the WRL Leadership Team enabling effective management of project budgets and other costs consistent with all stakeholder and statutory requirements to ensure accurate financial management of respective budgets.
• Develop and lead a high performing Finance team through coaching, mentoring and fostering a sense of accountability and belonging.
• Ensure reporting and forecasting processes produce accurate, insightful and timely information in line with WRL contractual obligations and AusNet requirements.
• Financial reporting: Development of periodic reporting processes in SAP and forecasting models to produce reporting consistent with project cost classifications / budgets and AusNet corporate requirements
• Compliance and external relationships: actively engaging with internal and external stakeholders, maintaining awareness of project requirements and AusNet policies and procedures.

You don’t need to check every box, however we’re looking for a good combination of:

• A Bachelor Degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or related field essential
• Professional certification in Finance or Accounting (e.g. chartered Accountant, Certified Practising Accounting, Chartered Financial Analyst or equivalent
• At least 10+ years’ experience in Finance or Accounting related roles, working on complex major infrastructure projects.
• Deep understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Australian Accounting Standards (AAS).
• Significant experience in financial management roles, preferably in large organisations, the utilities section or Alliance or Incentivised Target Cost commercial frameworks.
• Strong ability to analyse financial data, interpret trends and provide actionable insights.
• Proven leadership abilities with experience in managing finance teams, fostering a collaborative work environment, and mentoring and developing people.
• Ability to contribute to and implement the project, and company’s, financial strategy, aligning it with overall business goals.
• Able to travel to site in Ballarat at least once a quarter

The AusNet experience is all about…

• Solving some of the most complex energy challenges of our time: We love unpacking complex challenges in clever ways and looking at things differently.
• Building an energy future to be proud of: We’re a trusted leader, with deep expertise, driven to do what’s right for our communities and customers.
• Being part of a team that cares deeply about each other: We share in the good times and support in the tough times.

We’re committed to building an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We believe different perspectives are essential to our success, and we encourage all applicants to apply. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we're happy to discuss how we can support you.