Strategic Finance Leader (12-Month Contract) – Hybrid

City of Melbourne; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 144,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Study assistance

Parental leave (up to 20 weeks)

Flexible hours

Job summary

City of Melbourne is seeking 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.

You will act as a trusted adviser, delivering high-level analysis and expert guidance to shape future direction, champion best-practice financial management, and foster financial literacy across the organisation.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Accounting knowledge

Team leadership

Budgeting

Financial analysis

Stakeholder management

Strategic finance

Project management

Business planning

Performance measurement

Risk management

Advanced analytics

Organisational skills

Communication

Education

Accounting degree

Job description

City of Melbourne is seeking 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.

You will act as a trusted adviser, delivering high-level analysis and expert guidance to shape future direction, champion best-practice financial management, and foster financial literacy across the organisation.