About us

The Early Learning Operations and Monitoring Division leads core funding, operational policy, data collection and reporting, contract management policy and financial monitoring functions for funded Three- and Four-Year-Old kindergarten programs in Victoria. This includes a number of sector supports and programs to help ensure viable, well managed services that are accessible to all children. The Sector Monitoring sub-branch leads financial assessment and central monitoring of funded kindergarten providers as well as the newly established Kindergarten Audit and Assurance Program.

The newly established Kindergarten Audit, Assurance and Risk (KAAR) team oversees an external audit program of funded providers, conducts complex provider financial assessments, governance research and advice, and contributes to development of strategic risk tiering and assessment tools and compliance frameworks. 

About the opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Finance, Audit or Risk leader to join the newly established Kindergarten Audit, Assurance and Risk (KAAR) team within the Sector Monitoring sub-branch.

You will play a pivotal role in:

• Building a new team and creating a culture that enables team members to perform at their best.
• Leading and facilitating approach to complex financial viability assessments of funded kindergarten providers
• Overseeing the external audit program, including contributing to audit improvement strategies and consequences
• Leading policy development related to risk mitigation and compliance in the areas overseen by KAAR.
• Responding to emerging risks with facilitated research and analysis to support key decision-makers.
• Preparing key executive communication materials such as visualisations, PowerPoints, dashboards and written reports.
• Supporting internal training with financial and risk expertise

About you

• Demonstrated experience analysing and interpreting audited financial statements with footnotes.
• Proven ability to apply independent critical thinking and problem-solving skills in different contexts and to identify trends, patterns, risks and opportunities.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and self-awareness
• Effective written and verbal communication skills that is clear to non-financial stakeholders and concisely conveys complex issues and recommended actions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with differing viewpoints and stakeholder needs.
• Comfortable working in a complex, sensitive and fast-paced environment.

Mandatory requirements

• Accreditation with CA/CPA/CFA/FRM or equivalent or working towards accreditation.
• Relevant experience in external audit, forensic audit and/or commercial credit risk assessment.

How to Apply

Please click the Apply Now button on this advertisement.

Applications should include a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (no longer than 2 pages) and resume.

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Tanya James, Senior Manager, Sector Monitoring at tanya.james2@education.vic.gov.au

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on 20-May-2026