Strategic CFO – Government Regulator, Finance Modernisation

HorizonOne Recruitment Pty; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 154,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) invites a senior finance leader to take ownership of the CFO remit with a clear path to shape the agency's financial future. Reporting to the COO, you will lead eight staff across Armidale and Canberra, shaping strategy, funding, and cost recovery while modernising finance systems.

You'll work closely with the CEO and Board, influence major investment decisions, and help position APVMA for long-term sustainability in a national

Qualifications

• Strong Commonwealth finance experience and government reporting requirements.
• Experience with cost recovery arrangements and CRIS development.
• Strategic thinking about financial sustainability, investment and long‑term planning.
• Ability to advise CEOs and Boards with clear communication.
• Experience leading capable teams and driving change.
• Australian citizenship and Baseline security clearance eligibility.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in accounting or finance; CA/CPA or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the agency's financial strategy including long‑term sustainability and funding arrangements.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the CEO, Board and senior executives.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and cost recovery including CRIS and pricing reviews.
• Lead financial and procurement governance with risk management and compliance.
• Modernise finance systems and processes, including TechnologyOne, with emphasis on automation and data.
• Build financial capability across the agency and support leaders in investment decisions.
• Lead and develop your team and cultivate relationships with central agencies, auditors and stakeholders.

Skills

Commonwealth finance experience

Cost recovery knowledge

Strategic financial planning

Financial governance and reporting

Board advisory communication

Team leadership

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Accounting/finance degree

CA/CPA or equivalent

Tools

TechnologyOne

CRIS development

Job description

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) invites a senior finance leader to take ownership of the CFO remit with a clear path to shape the agency's financial future. Reporting to the COO, you will lead eight staff across Armidale and Canberra, shaping strategy, funding, and cost recovery while modernising finance systems.

You'll work closely with the CEO and Board, influence major investment decisions, and help position APVMA for long-term sustainability in a national