Director - Finance Portfolio Engagement

Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Canberra ACT

$146,942 - $170,725 a year

Finance & Investment Division

Overview The Funding and Revenue branch is the policy arm of the Finance and Investment Division. It leads and delivers cost recovery services and advice, external budgets and costing support, portfolio agency engagement on financial matters, levies policy and administration, levies compliance functions and oversaw the delivery of the finance improvement strategy. The Finance Portfolio Engagement team provides support, coordination and strengthens relationships with agencies within the DAFF portfolio on financial matters, improves engagement through financial oversight, budgeting coordination and financial statement support.

Key Responsibilities

Lead coordination of portfolio agency input into the Commonwealth Budget process.

Lead coordination of portfolio agency input into the Financial Statement process, providing technical accounting advice and guidance to portfolio agency Finance teams.

Review portfolio agency Board papers to identify risks associated with the financial sustainability of the agencies.

Manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment, balancing immediate operational needs with long‑term objectives.

Apply sound judgement and risk management in decision‑making, ensuring compliance with legislative, policy and governance frameworks.

Strengthen relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including coordinating Portfolio CFO forums.

Contribute to the financial management of the Branch through budget management and efficient allocation of resources.

Facilitate an inclusive and positive team culture, provide strong leadership and support team members in enhancing their capability and professional development, while ensuring employee engagement and wellbeing.

What We Are Looking For – Knowledge and Experience

Proven ability to identify and analyse critical and emerging issues, providing strategic advice and high‑level support to the CFO on a range of sensitive and complex issues.

Strong demonstrated understanding of financial management, including the Commonwealth Budget Process, financial accounting, government reporting and key financial issues facing smaller Commonwealth agencies.

Demonstrated experience in strong leadership and people‑management capabilities.

Experience building and sustaining strong working relationships with external stakeholders, senior management and team members, employing a consultative and influencing approach to achieve positive outcomes and being an excellent communicator.

Experience in adapting to varied functions and challenges across the department.

Demonstrated experience in driving innovation, continuous improvement, and capability development within your area of responsibility.

Mandatory Qualifications

Experience with the Commonwealth budget process, Australian Government Financial Management process and/or accounting qualifications.

Flexible working arrangements are available. Please contact the recruitment officer for more information.

Please note that the merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies with similar duties.

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