The Director, Financial Accounting leads the delivery of accurate, timely and compliant financial operations, technical accounting and statutory reporting. Leading a small team, you will oversee core financial accounting activities and provide authoritative advice and assurance to the CFO and senior executives on financial accountability, reporting and Commonwealth resource management obligations. You will manage key relationships with the Australian National Audit Office, the Australian Taxation Office and other internal and external stakeholders.

The Director, Financial Accounting is a high-impact leadership opportunity at the centre of the ACCC’s financial stewardship. Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, you will lead a small team, shape critical accounting and assurance outcomes, and provide trusted advice to senior executives on complex financial matters. The role offers broad organisational influence, strong engagement with key government stakeholders and the opportunity to strengthen systems, controls and capability in an organisation delivering meaningful outcomes for Australians.

The four key tasks are:

1. Lead the Financial Accounting function.

2. Deliver statutory reporting, audit and compliance outcomes.

3. Provide authoritative technical and strategic advice.

4. Strengthen financial governance and business performance.

All candidates are expected to meet the APS Integrated Leadership Profile (ILS) for the classification advertised and demonstrate the Secretaries’ Charter of Leadership Behaviours. This role in particular requires:

• Extensive executive-level experience leading financial accounting and statutory reporting, including annual financial statements, taxation obligations and the resolution of complex audit and audit committee matters in a fast-paced and large complex people-centred organisation.
• Advanced technical accounting expertise, with demonstrated experience applying Australian Accounting Standards and, preferably, the Commonwealth financial framework to complex matters such as asset recognition, valuation and classification, major ICT projects and accounting position papers.
• A strong record of delivering accurate, complete and timely financial accounting, compliance and assurance outcomes in a complex and highly regulated environment.
• Sound executive judgement and the ability to lead at pace, balancing immediate delivery, audit and compliance obligations with longer-term financial strategy, systems improvement and organisational capability.
• Highly developed communication, influencing and negotiation skills, with the ability to translate complex financial matters into clear, practical advice for senior decision-makers and non-financial audiences.
• Proven people leadership, resilience and accountability, with the ability to resolve complex issues and sustain an engaged, high-performing team.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in accounting or finance and current membership of CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, or an equivalent recognised professional accounting body.
• Hold, or be able to obtain and maintain, a Baseline security clearance.

The following job specific criteria are also highly desirable:

• Substantial Australian Government experience.
• Experience in TechnologyOne and the Central Budget Management System.

To find out more about us and the role, please read the Candidate Kit.