Strategic Finance Partner Lead, Global Water & Environment

SMEC; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

18 weeks parental leave

Flexible working arrangements

Diversity & inclusion programs

Career progression

Job summary

SMEC is seeking an experienced Finance Business Partner Lead based in Melbourne to drive strategic financial leadership for the Global Water & Environment Sector. You will oversee reporting, budgeting, forecasting and modelling for major projects, partnering with sector leadership to improve profitability and efficiency.

You will lead a team, promote governance, and collaborate across the Group to support long-term sustainability and client value.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Commerce, Economics or a related discipline.
• Further qualifications in Business Management, such as an MBA, will be highly regarded.
• Proven experience in a comparable finance leadership or business partnering role within a corporate environment.
• Demonstrated experience in developing profitable strategies and translating strategic vision into practical business outcomes.
• A strong understanding of corporate finance, financial governance and business performance management principles.
• Experience leading, mentoring and developing finance professionals across a business.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to analyse financial and project performance, identify opportunities and drive improved results.
• The ability to build trusting, productive relationships with internal stakeholders and external clients.
• A high level of integrity and sound judgement when handling confidential and sensitive information.
• A results‑oriented mindset, with a demonstrated ability to achieve and exceed business targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed, accurate and reliable financial data for the Global Water & Environment Sector, enabling timely reporting, robust analysis and informed business decisions.
• Analyse commercial, financial and project performance, identify risks and opportunities, and provide actionable insights to improve profitability and project outcomes.
• Lead and oversee financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial modelling for key projects and business initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with the Sector leadership team and Finance leads across the Group to drive performance, support strategic priorities and achieve business objectives.
• Promote strong financial governance, best practice in project controls and effective commercial risk management.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve financial processes, systems and operational efficiencies.
• Build and maintain trusted, productive relationships with internal stakeholders and external clients, contributing to effective client relationship management.
• Provide leadership, mentoring and support to the I+E Finance team, fostering high performance, effective resourcing, retention and ongoing professional development.
• Actively contribute to business-wide projects and strategic initiatives that enhance efficiency, strengthen commercial outcomes and support long‑term sustainability.
• Contribute to the ANZ Region’s finance activities, working collaboratively to support broader financial and business priorities.

Skills

Financial leadership

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

People leadership

Financial analysis

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Commerce/Economics

MBA

Job description

SMEC is seeking an experienced Finance Business Partner Lead based in Melbourne to drive strategic financial leadership for the Global Water & Environment Sector. You will oversee reporting, budgeting, forecasting and modelling for major projects, partnering with sector leadership to improve profitability and efficiency.

You will lead a team, promote governance, and collaborate across the Group to support long-term sustainability and client value.