The Role The Chief Finance Officer (CFO) is responsible for leading DHA's financial management and advisory functions to support the achievement of organisational objectives. The CFO provides strategic oversight of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, ensuring strong financial governance, compliance, and sustainability. The role delivers expert financial advice to senior executives, manages financial risk, oversees investment and resource allocation, and supports informed decision-making aligned with DHA's strategic priorities and government requirements. The CFO Branch, as part of the Enabling Services Group, is responsible for ensuring the financial sustainability of DHA, by supporting effective decision making, resource allocation and policy compliance for both internal and external stakeholders. They provide enterprise financial stewardship, commercial management and assurance to support DHA's sustainability, value for money and compliance with government and Defence requirements. There are five teams within the Branch, including: Corporate Support - Provides corporate shared services, accounts payable and receivable, commercial accommodation and facilities management, and financial systems support to enable efficient operations and informed decision-making. Procurement & Contract Management - Leads procurement operations and contract management to ensure value for money, probity, compliance and effective supplier performance. Corporate Accounting - Delivers statutory financial accounting, taxation, asset accounting and development accounting to ensure financial integrity, compliance and accurate reporting. Forecasting & Business Analysis - Provides enterprise forecasting, commercial modelling and treasury management to support strategic decision-making, financial sustainability and investment planning. Partnering & Performance - Delivers management accounting, finance business partnering and performance reporting to support operational decision-making, accountability and continuous improvement. All SES roles represent the Australian Public Service (APS) and government externally to stakeholders and are characterised by a high level of accountability for outcomes. How outcomes are delivered is equally as important as the outcome. The Secretaries' Charter of Leadership Behaviours sets out the behaviours Secretaries expect of themselves and SES, and want to see in leaders at all levels of the APS. The Charter focuses on behaviours that support modern systems leadership within the construct of the APS Values and Code of Conduct . These behaviours build on the Integrated Leadership System and APS Leadership Capability Framework The key duties of the position include Everyday Activities Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and operating as a key member of DHA's senior executive cohort, the Chief Financial Officer provides strategic leadership and stewardship of DHA's financial and corporate support functions. In alignment with DHA's strategic objectives, the role is responsible for driving enterprise performance, sound financial governance, and sustainable long-term outcomes. Key activities include: Provide strategic leadership as an active and influential member of the DHA Executive Leadership Team, contributing to whole of organisation strategy, governance and priority setting. Provide authoritative, pragmatic and forward-looking financial advice to the Managing Director, Executive, and Board to support DHA's strategic, commercial and financial objectives. Provide significant influence, strategic input and subject matter expertise to the Board Audit and Risk Committee. Apply deep technical, analytical and financial expertise to inform executive decision-making, optimise resource allocation, and deliver value-for-money outcomes across the organisation. Shape and influence DHA's financial, funding and capital strategies, partnering with senior leaders and shareholders to ensure alignment with current and future organisational needs. Lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of robust financial management, reporting and control frameworks that meet legislative, policy and best-practice governance requirements. Ensure the integrity, transparency and reliability of forecasting, budgeting and financial reporting methodologies to support sound decision-making and accountability. Provide strategic oversight of DHA's budgeting program and financial processes, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality outputs and effective financial stewardship. Lead the delivery of finance and corporate support services with a strong focus on customer service, operational efficiency, risk management and continuous improvement. Build, lead and sustain a high-performing, values-driven culture across finance and corporate support functions, promoting accountability, collaboration and professional excellence. Identify, develop and deploy workforce capability to ensure DHA has the financial and technical expertise required to meet current demands and future challenges. Establish and maintain strong, productive relationships across DHA to enable integrated planning, cooperation and coordinated delivery of business outcomes. Contribute to the development and implementation of corporate policies, procedures and frameworks, providing clear leadership and guidance on financial and governance matters. Represent DHA at senior-level cross-agency forums, working groups and committees, contributing to whole-of-government and sector-wide initiatives. Represent DHA at Senate Estimates, providing clear, evidenced-based insights and demonstrating transparent, accountable stewardship. Proactively engage with Commonwealth, State and Territory agencies, and non-government stakeholders, navigating complex and politically sensitive environments to advance DHA's interests. Champion DHA-wide initiatives beyond the immediate function, contributing to organisational reform, improvement programs and leadership priorities. Partner closely with the Managing Director, Senior Executives and the Board to identify and pursue financial strategies that support DHA's long-term sustainability and strategic direction.
