This is a fixed term position from 1 January to 30 June 2026

An exciting opportunity to join our team and play an important role in the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership (Academy).

At the Academy, we are passionate about meaningful and exciting work that has an impact on education and student outcomes. Our shared purpose is to create and offer evidence-informed professional learning programs, events and initiatives designed to take Victoria's highly skilled teachers and school leaders from great to exceptional and advance the quality and status of teaching and school leadership.

We care about the quality of our work, demonstrate collective responsibility for continuous improvement and support each other to do the very best we can every day to achieve our goals.

The Academy is a learning organisation that provides opportunities for employees to grow. We have a positive culture that we are building together, where people feel supported, valued and heard.

About the Division

As a Division of the Academy, the Business Services Division leads the provision of quality Academy corporate support services and functions (including procurement, project management and program governance, human resources and culture architecture, finance, facilities management and, risk, audit and reporting) which enable successful operation of the Academy. In addition, the Business Services Division is responsible for the oversight, delivery and reporting of the compliance obligations required of a statutory authority.

The Finance team leads the Academy's financial management, including forecasting and budgeting, cost modelling, invoicing, accounts payable and receivable, and reporting.

About the Role

The Senior Financial Accountant takes a lead role in preparing the Academy's financial statements, budget-builds for each financial year, oversight and maintenance of financial-based Standing Directions compliance and acquittal of the Academy's financial components of the Annual Report.

The Senior Financial Accountant will have the responsibility for preparation of the month end reporting, journals, balance sheet reconciliations, suspense account reconciliations, accounts receivables reporting, and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships across the Academy and the Department.

This role works cohesively as a member of both the Finance team and the Academy team, using experience to foster a collaborative culture and effectively engage with colleagues and stakeholders.

Key accountabilities for this role include:

• Financial compliance
• Financial reporting
• Financial policy, process, and system development
• Financial administration
• Team cohesion
• Values-based approach to team interactions
• Capability building across the team and the Academy
• Expert financial advice and support to internal customers.

Capabilities

This role will work collaboratively with the immediate finance team, the broader Academy team and the Department of Education's finance team to deliver on key accountabilities. You must have the ability to promote a culture of teamwork, knowledge sharing, and a values-based approach to achieve outcomes. This role will demonstrate specialist expertise knowledge in accounting with the ability to do so while proactively strengthening team capability.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• CPA/CA or relevant experience.
• A tertiary qualification in finance or accounting.
• Experience working in a dynamic, high performing finance function in a large complex organisation.
• Capacity to make data-informed decisions.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of finance policies, procedures, and practices.
• Proven ability to effectively engage and build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels through effective communication and exceptional consulting abilities.
• Ability to interpret and convey specialist finance concepts and policies to diverse stakeholders.
• Effective problem-solving capability to resolve or escalate operational service queries.

Further Information

Please respond by submitting a cover letter, supported by a maximum 2-page response to the key selection criteria and a recent CV/Resume.

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 Ian Hesse, Chief Finance Officer via (03) 7022 1214  phone or ian.hesse@education.vic.gov.au email.

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 at midnight 24 September 2025.