Finance Officer

Full job description
APS 6 - $+1,+44 - $104,3+3 per annum plus superannuation
Water Policy Division
Canberra, ACT
Who we are

The Water Policy Division provides leadership and strategic policy to ensure the sustainable future of our rivers, wetlands and groundwaters, and the people who depend on them. The Division supports water reform initiatives in the Murray–Darling Basin and leads national water reform – working to future-proof Australia’s water resources and provide support to First Nations in our national water story.


The Water Support and WELS branch supports the development and implementation of water policies, programs and business processes through the provision of support services, including budget support, to water divisions. The branch is also responsible for enhancing the sustainable use of Australias water resources through the administration of the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme.


The Administered Budgets and Reporting section provides an operational, governance and support function for a diverse program and budget portfolio, covering multiple administered appropriations across water divisions. Programs our team supports includes but is not limited to those funded by the Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure Program and the Water for the Environment Special Account.


The Job

The section’s administered budget management duties include:

Coordinating regular requests for updated program forecasting and reporting information, including commentary on variances
Coordinating the preparation of new funding bids, and associated costings, through the annual Budget and MYEFO processes, and preparing necessary movement of funds requests
Providing advice on ministerial submissions with financial implications
Updating databases to record expenditure and project/contract updates
Preparing and processing Treasury payments
Running end of month and end of financial year reconciliation processes
Reconciling financial records across two systems
Providing a good level of service and support to divisional staff and Water SES, and liaising closely with corporate finance areas.
Please note: We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements, including location. To seek further information, please speak with the contact officer prior to submitting your application.
What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

Our ideal candidate will have:

A keen interest in financial/budget management, including the annual Budget process
Experience in administered budget management, including Australian Government or state government budgetary processes.
NOTE: Qualifications in Finance and/or Business Management are desirable


Skills and capabilities

Our ideal candidate will have:

Intermediate or advanced Microsoft Excel skills
The ability to effectively prioritise tasks
Very good attention to detail
A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and productively in a team environment and with internal stakeholders
Good communication skills.
Eligibility and other requirements

Citizenship - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.


Security Clearance - This position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.


Pre-employment Check - Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months.