Principal Finance Officer | Financial Performance Reporting

As the Principal Finance Officer (Asset Accounting) you will contribute strategically and operationally to building sound business practices and relations with colleagues, clients and stakeholders and lead the asset accounting team in all activities.

About The Department

The Department of Education is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the community and schools we support by treating everyone with respect and dignity. This starts with recruitment and selection. The methods of assessing suitability in the recruitment process may vary. This includes making reasonable adjustments to support applicants at all stages of the process and employee lifecycle.

About The Role

Lead the development and maintenance of appropriate systems, procedures and training material which enhance the understanding and operation of asset accounting, reporting and management within the department.
Lead the preparation of asset accounting data for inclusion in the department's general purpose and specific purpose financial reports in accordance with relevant Australian Accounting Standards, financial management legislation and Treasury and departmental guidelines.
Lead the annual asset revaluation process, including liaising with the external valuers and auditors and provide advice on financial implications arising there from.
Participate in the Financial Strategy and Advice management team by providing input to business plans and relevant issues resolution and facilitating a co-ordinated and cohesive approach to achievement of the team's outcomes.
Develop, implement and monitor systems, practices and procedures that contribute to improved asset recording, accounting and management.
Provide value adding trend and other analysis as well as professional and authoritative advice to senior management and business units including identification of issues or trends of concern.
Supervise accounting arrangements with business units undertaking asset maintenance and construction on behalf of the department.
Ensure the integrity of the department's asset records and reporting by ensuring the performance of necessary reconciliations and supervising the development of appropriate systems, procedures and practices relating to asset accounting and valuation.
Identify departmental training needs in asset recording and accounting, develop and implement strategies to meet these needs and deliver training.
Undertake, monitor and review project work ensuring agreed objectives are being met within budget and on time and contribute to plans, budgets and key performance indicators and measure and monitor performance so as to achieve agreed outcomes.
Prepare reports and submissions (including briefing for Minister and Director-General) on substantial asset accounting issues, and represent the department at external agencies as required.


Please refer to the attached role description for any mandatory requirements for this position.

How To Apply

Attach a brief resume including contact details for 2 referees (referees should have an understanding of your relevant work history)
Attach a 1-page written statement about how your achievements and capabilities meet the requirements of the role.


We welcome all applicants to share any support needed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive.

Applications remain current for 12 months from the closing date and may be considered for appointment to identical or similar vacancies within the Department.

Applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.

When working in regulated employment an employee must have a current Working with Children Clearance (blue card) issued by Blue Card Services.

Salary rate shown is reflective of full-time (1.0 FTE).

The Department of Education is a family inclusive workplace.  Click here to find out more about our Inclusion and Diversity strategies.