The Head of Finance will lead the finance function in the provision of effective financial management, budgetary advice to stakeholders and transactions support. You will play an influential role working with senior stakeholders and be able to drive innovation in the financial service you provide.

Client Details

The role of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally. This involves strengthening Australia's security, enhancing Australia's prosperity, delivering an effective and high-quality overseas aid program and helping Australian travellers and Australians overseas.

The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. DFAT also works with other Australian government agencies to drive coordination of Australia's pursuit of global, regional and bilateral interests.

Description

The Head of Finance is responsible for leading and directing the activities of the Finance Section within the London Regional Services Delivery Hub (RSDH).

This position is responsible for developing and contributing to organisational strategies and strategic direction and driving innovative financial services. The position is required to undertake a wide range of duties under limited supervision and provides high-level support to the senior stakeholders both in London and across the European Region.

This position is relied upon as a source of technical knowledge and provision of training and advice on financial policies and procedures to key stakeholders across the Europe region. Crucially this position provides budget management support to non-financial stakeholders. The position also has overall responsibility for London's budget planning and forecast and the preparation of associated financial statement and reports.

Profile

• Chartered accounting qualification, such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA, equivalent recognised qualification, or level of experience
• Experience applying accounting standards and principles, legislation, financial management practices and experience providing advice to senior stakeholders
• Demonstrated leadership skills and success in the management of continuous improvement programs and initiatives in the areas of financial management
• Ability to work independently and manage projects with minimum supervision
• Demonstrated expertise in the review, interpretation, and analysis of accounting information and in formulating recommendations and reports to management
• Demonstrated high level communication, interpersonal, negotiation and presentation skills, and the ability to deliver financial training programs
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and manage staff in line with quality performance management practices
• Excellent IT literacy, with experience using SAP or similar Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and advanced MS Excel skills

Job Offer

RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

• Application deadline 4th August
• Interviews w.c 9th August

Please submit your CV to include the below:

Please address each of the selection criteria for the Head of Finance role in the spaces provided on the application form. Drawing on your prior experience, please provide examples of where you have demonstrated the required competencies or transferable skills.

The word limit is max 250 words per response. The panel will not assess responses that exceed the word limit.

A. Proven relevant experience delivering financial reporting and applying accounting standards and legislation, preferably for an established large organisation, coupled with a chartered accounting qualification (or equivalent level professional experience).

B. Demonstrable leadership skills, including experience setting the financial management agenda, providing clear strategic direction and promoting staff engagement and motivation whilst driving team performance.

C. Highly developed management accounting skills, with experience providing effective variance reporting and commentary for senior management including non-financial budget holders across multiple business units.

D. Effective project management skills, including the ability to identify and implement service improvements and efficiencies, fostering a performance driven culture and promoting excellent customer service.

E. Highly developed communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence high-level stakeholders and respond to their needs, including delivering client-focused finance training and development.

F. High level of proficiency in the use of financial accounting systems (knowledge of SAP is desirable) and Microsoft Office suite, including advanced level MS Excel skills. Ability to generate appropriate reports to interrogate data and provide analysis.

*Head of Finance, Public Sector and Government, London*