Finance Officer in Canberra

A role in Financial Analysis, Reporting and Management (FARM) presents an exciting opportunity to be part of a team at the forefront of shaping financial management and accounting policy advice to the Australian Government including on its multibillion-dollar superannuation and investment funds and the management of the Commonwealth’s Official Public Account (the Commonwealth’s central bank account). This is a unique opportunity to develop a set of skills which are highly valued and sought after in the government as well as in the private sector.

FARM is a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about what we do. We are a diverse and supportive team that works collaboratively, are willing to go the extra mile to help others, celebrate our differences and value each other’s contributions.

Our work is performed across the following three branches:

• Accounting and Frameworks Branch: Responsible for supporting Commonwealth entities to meet their statutory budgetary and financial reporting obligations, including responsibility for updating legislative instruments and providing guidance materials and accounting related technical advice to support Commonwealth reporting entities to prepare their annual financial statements. The Branch supports the development of the Budget and Consolidated Financial Statements and leads advice on financial frameworks including for accounting policy, budget, and charging. The Branch supports the accounting and finance profession across the APS, focusing on recruitment, attraction, talent and professional development for accounting and finance professionals.
• Estimates and Reporting Branch: Responsible for the preparation of and advice to the Finance Minister and Government on whole-of-government financial statements and other financial information for all annual estimates and actuals updates, including for budget publications. The Branch produces the annual Consolidated Financial Statements and the Australian Government’s General Government Sector Monthly Financial Statements and provides advice on the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Government Finance Statistics.
• Financial Management Branch: Responsible for appropriation management including arranging annual and special appropriations and maintaining of their records, Commonwealth Cash Management, provision of advice and oversight on the appropriations framework and retainable receipts, foreign exchange risk management, development of Budget Paper No. 4, and provision of advice and support for Machinery of Government Changes.

The key duties of the position include:

We are looking for people who will champion our inclusive, curious and empowered culture, are able to align to our Departmental priorities, who seize opportunities presented by change and are able to identify and lead innovation and continuous improvement in the workplace.

Working with us you will have the opportunity to:

• Build practical experience interpreting whole-of-government financial data to support advice and decision-making.
• Advise on budget strategy and the Australian Government’s financial frameworks.
• Strengthen your financial reporting skills by contributing to the preparation of the Australian Government’s financial statements.
• Contribute to the stewardship of the accounting and finance profession across the Australian Public Service.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Be supported to pursue professional qualifications in accounting and finance, including being mentored by experienced Chartered Accountants (CA ANZ) and Certified Practising Accountants (CPA).

Eligibility: Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS) unless the Agency Head has agreed otherwise, in writing. Successful applicants will be required to undergo the process to obtain and maintain, or continue to hold the required security clearance level for the role as indicated. All Finance staff are required to have a minimum baseline security clearance prior to commencement.

Getting to know the Department of Finance: As a central agency of the Australian Government, the Department of Finance (Finance) plays an important role in assisting government across a wide range of policy areas to ensure its outcomes are met. Finance supports the government's ongoing priorities through the Budget process and fosters leading practice through the public sector resource management, governance and accountability frameworks. Finance plays a leading role in advising the government on many of its strategic priorities.