Senior Finance Business Partner

Council Jobs; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 144,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Study assistance

Parental leave (up to 20 weeks)

Job summary

City of Melbourne is seeking a Senior Business Partner for a 12-month contract to lead a small finance team and provide strategic financial insights to drive decisions and support long-term goals.

The role acts as a trusted adviser, delivering high-level analysis, championing best-practice financial management, and building stakeholder relationships across the organisation. It supports transitioning to a service delivery model with centralised financial services.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Accounting or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial processes and ensure compliance with legislation, accounting standards, and policies.
• Oversee budget formulation, forecasting, and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide expert advice on business cases and challenge assumptions.
• Prepare and present timely management reports for organisational reporting.
• Drive improvements in budgeting, reporting and financial processes.

Skills

Budgeting

Financial analysis

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic advisory

Management reporting

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Accounting degree

CPA/CA preferred

Tools

Financial systems

Job description

• Classification 7 - $144,471 -$162,599 + superannuation
• Lead a small team of Finance professionals

About the role

We are looking for a Senior Business Partner on a 12-month contract to lead and develop a collaborative team while providing strategic financial insights that drive informed decision-making and support long-term business goals.

In this role, you will act as a trusted adviser, delivering high-level analysis and expert guidance to shape future direction. You will champion best-practice financial management, foster financial literacy across the organisation, and build strong relationships with stakeholders.

This position plays a key role in transitioning to a service delivery model through business partnering and centralised financial services, driving continuous improvement and positive change. If you are a strategic thinker with strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, we would love to hear from you.

A little more about the role

• Lead financial processes, ensuring compliance with legislation, accounting standards, and corporate policies, and support audits.
• Oversee budget formulation, forecasting, and recommend corrective actions for effective financial management.
• Ensure contestability protocols are applied in developing business initiatives.
• Provide expert advice on business cases, challenge assumptions, and recommend optimal outcomes.
• Analyse financial and performance data, identify issues and opportunities, and propose solutions.
• Drive improvements in budgeting, reporting, and financial processes to meet operational needs.
• Act as escalation point for complex financial issues.
• Prepare and present accurate, timely management reports for organisational reporting.
• Ensure compliance with financial reporting requirements and support managers in meeting deadlines.
• Contribute to development and monitoring of annual business plans and budgets.
• Review and challenge financial forecasts to ensure accuracy.
• Oversee quality financial support services and lead system and process improvements.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver effective financial services aligned with policies and legislation.
• Partner with Directors to provide high-quality financial analysis and advice that shapes business strategy.

Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.

At the heart of it all is the City of Melbourne – a passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of Team Melbourne, you’ll help deliver what’s most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.

We’re proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.

This is more than just a role – it’s your chance to make a real impact, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne’s future alongside a collaborative and forward-thinking team.

About you

What your experience might look like

• Tertiary qualification in Accounting or related field; CPA/CA preferred but not essential.
• Experience leading and supporting diverse teams, fostering collaboration and growth.
• Strong background in budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting within complex environments.
• Ability to build effective, respectful stakeholder relationships and communicate clearly.
• Skilled in providing strategic financial advice and influencing positive outcomes.
• Proven experience managing multiple projects and driving continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of business planning, performance measurement, risk management, and benchmarking.
• Advanced analytical skills with capacity to deliver practical, innovative solutions.
• Strong organisational skills to manage priorities and meet deadlines flexibly.
• Excellent written communication, able to present complex information clearly for varied audiences.

Benefits of working with us

Attractive remuneration & benefits: Excellent pay package with a range of exciting benefits. Flexible working, study assistance & other great corporate discounts.

Excellent leave entitlements: Enjoy up to 20 weeks of fully paid parental leave for primary carers, in addition to the government-funded parental leave, with no waiting period to access. Part-time equivalents are also available for added flexibility.

Career progression: Career development support and opportunities to learn new skills within a creative and exciting environment.

Work-life balance and hybrid working: We support flexible hours, alternative work arrangements (like ADOs), and hybrid work-from-home options.

We are a child safe organisation. The City of Melbourne has a zero tolerance for child abuse. All employees undergo thorough safety screening, including a Police Check and, for most roles, a Working with Children Check.

Refer to the position description below or contact Peter Dikranis – Manager Business Partnering Finance at **************@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Inclusion matters

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds.

We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you’re contacted for an interview.