Senior Finance Business Partner

Cushman & Wakefield; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Diversity & inclusion

Career progression

Work-life balance

Job summary

Cushman & Wakefield in Australia is seeking a Senior Finance Business Partner to lead the operation finance management for a large client portfolio, with a base in Melbourne or Canberra. The role requires Australian citizenship and the ability to obtain a government security clearance.

You will own monthly financial deliverables, budgets and forecasts, balance sheet controls, and stakeholder engagement with executives and service leaders, delivering high-quality financial services and strategic

Qualifications

• Leads a team of qualified accountants with strong commercial focus.
• Drives value creation and continuous improvement in finance.
• Excellent communication to chair meetings and present numbers to non-finance.
• Skilled in storytelling with data and analytics for stakeholders.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and organizational change.

Responsibilities

• Own monthly financial deliverables to government agencies, executives, and operations.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis for the client.
• Provide financial support to operations and service delivery teams.
• Maintain balance sheet reconciliations and internal controls.
• Identify risks/opportunities and offer mitigation strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Excel

Power BI

Stakeholder management

Education

CPA/CIMA/CA/CFA

Tools

JDE

SAP

Anaplan

BlackLine

Job description

Job Title

Senior Finance Business Partner

Operation Finance Management of a large portfolio of clients.

Location: Canberra or Melbourne

Eligibility: Australian Citizenship mandatory

Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a government security clearance

Key Responsibilities

Monthly Monitoring

• Own the timely delivery of all monthly financial requirements to Government Agencies, Executives, and operational leaders.
• Monitor performance against financial KPIs under the contract and ensure compliance with all reporting deadlines.
• Lead regular meetings with your team and stakeholders to ensure financial and operational KPIs are met.
• Review overall contract P&L, including accruals, prepayments, variance analysis, and commentary.
• Ensure accurate balance sheet reconciliations and internal controls, including clearing aged items and outstanding queries.

Budgets & Planning

• Lead the delivery of annual budgets and periodic forecasts for the client.
• Define, review, and agree on key assumptions, processes, and outputs with internal teams and the client.
• Support business streams to complete budgets on time and in line with client requirements.
• Identify risks and opportunities impacting full‑year performance and develop mitigation strategies.
• Drive analytical reviews, year‑on‑year analysis, and deep‑dive commentary to support decision‑making.

Relationship Management

• Deliver high‑quality financial services to clients under the contract.
• Provide financial support to operational and service delivery colleagues.
• Execute operational plans set by leadership and ensure alignment with client expectations.

Client Engagement

• Represent Cushman & Wakefield professionally and ensure all work meets the highest standards.
• Adapt quickly to changing client needs and maintain strong rapport to minimise escalations.
• Raise blockers early to avoid unnecessary issues with senior clients.
• Identify and flag cross‑selling opportunities to leadership.
• Understand how your role connects to the broader account and ensure seamless collaboration across workstreams.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform additional duties as required by your manager.
• Support major functions or events, including occasional extended hours during peak periods.
• Develop and maintain operational standards, process maps, playbooks, and operating manuals.

About You

Leadership & Behavioural Capabilities

• Proven ability to lead, manage, and develop a team of qualified accountants.
• Strong commercial mindset with a focus on value creation and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to chair meetings and present complex financial concepts to non‑finance stakeholders.
• Strong analytical reasoning and ability to “tell the story” behind the numbers.
• Comfortable working in ambiguity and navigating change.
• Exceptional relationship management, influencing, and negotiation skills.

Technical Skills

• Qualified Accountant (CPA, CIMA, CFA, or CA).
• Advanced Excel and PowerBI skills; experience with Anaplan and Blackline is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of AASB16 Lease Accounting.
• Experience with JDE, SAP, or other large ERP systems.

Why Join Cushman & Wakefield?

• Be part of a global organisation committed to diversity, inclusion, and professional growth.
• Opportunity to step into a senior leadership role with clear pathways for career progression.
• Supportive environment that values work‑life balance, flexibility, and employee wellbeing.

As an equal opportunity employer, Cushman & Wakefield encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and female candidates to apply. Cushman & Wakefield promotes safety at all times.