This is a Financial Reporting Officer role with Defence Australia based in Melbourne, VIC, AU Defence Australia Role Seniority - mid level More about the Financial Reporting Officer role at Defence Australia The Role Within the Accounting function, an APS 5 Financial Reporting Officer is accountable under limited direction to perform and achieve complex asset management and reporting work within an integrated workforce. They are accountable to have and maintain an understanding of Commonwealth financial compliance and relevant legislative frameworks, to support government decision-making while aligning with Defence’s mission and policy requirements. An APS 5 Financial Reporting Officer will be accountable for organising their workflow and making independent decisions relating to their area of responsibility. They will interpret and provide advice within the accounting function based on legislation, policy and procedures, and an ability to identify and resolve routine non-compliance. They will undertake specialist research and analysis, conduct reviews, assessment and investigations and perform administrative support work to achieve results. The APS 5 Financial Reporting Officer may coordinate and contribute to the work of a team consistent to a work plan and provide advice and assistance on methods of task completion to team members. The APS 5 Financial Reporting Officer will be required to engage and communicate with stakeholders to identify, respond and provide advice on issues to achieve work unit and Defence outcomes. They will be accountable to contribute towards ongoing self-improvement and professional development. As an APS 5 Financial Reporting Officer within the Financial Accounting and Assets Directorates, you will be accountable for the following: Perform asset management and reporting activities to support the financial accounting of an asset base valued at $158 billion. Develop and document valuation and pricing judgements for bespoke asset base that includes submarines, planes, naval ships, simulators etc. The work is exciting and provides an opportunity to build capabilities across project management, financial accounting, asset valuation, process simplification and automation. Draw insights and contribute to the impact of balance sheet management within Defence and Whole of Australian Government. Provide expert advice to military workforce on technical asset and financial accounting issues. Build and sustain effective relationships with team members and stakeholders and actively participate in teamwork and group activities. Engage with relevant stakeholders and understands their expectations and concerns. Take the initiative to progress work to meet business objectives. Resolve problems using expertise, taking the initiative to identify alternative courses of action. As an APS 5 Financial Reporting Officer within the Financial Accounting and Assets Directorate, you will also be responsible for the following: Contributing to the management of Fixed Assets Register and Inventory Holdings including maintenance of asset classes and effective lives, additions and disposals. Analyse vast and complex sets of data to identify asset valuation and accuracy risk and proactively support the completion of Defence’s external financial reporting functions including asset balance rectification, reconciliations, balance sheet management. About our Team There is no single employer in the Commonwealth that offers the breadth of technical challenges that Defence Finance Group (DFG) tackle. Working in the Financial Accounting and Asset Accounting team means you will be applying your professional judgement and knowledge to a huge range of complex accounting issues. Project Finance Governance Directorate team is accountable for policy advice, compliance assurance, conducting quality assurance checks on financial accounting activities and liaison with external auditors. The Asset Accounting team is responsible for the full financial reporting and the financial accounting of Defence’s assets through their capability lifecycle. The teams are responsible for the financial accounting of the largest asset base in the Commonwealth valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Think big, physical tangible assets like aircraft, ships, submarines plus a huge property portfolio, specialist military equipment, complex intellectual property and bespoke technology. Career growth prospects are strong because if you understand assets underpinning Defence you will gain a knowledge of the business. Our Ideal Candidate Our ideal candidate will demonstrate: Strong data analytical skills, critical thinking and attention to detail. Strong initiative, sound practical judgement and resilience. Experience in audit and assurance or asset accounting encompassing a range of asset lifecycle activities. Well-developed base technical accounting skills Strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to produce quality work within short timeframes. Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills. A commitment to continuous improvement. Expertise in using Microsoft suite and technical abilities in presenting large data using data visualisation tools such as Power BI is desirable. Application Closing Date: Sunday 22 March 2026 For further information please review the job information pack, reference DFG/00987/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=98790B66-6AC5-4AC9-A5AD-ECBF3CC51977 Before we jump into the responsibilities of the role. No matter what you come in knowing, you’ll be learning new things all the time and the Defence Australia team will be there to support your growth. Please consider applying even if you don't meet 100% of what’s outlined Key Responsibilities Performing asset management and reporting activities Contributing to the management of Fixed Assets Register Engaging with stakeholders Key Strengths Data analytical skills Attention to detail ️ Communication skills ✅ Experience in audit and assurance Technical accounting skills Data visualization expertise A Final Note: This is a role with Defence Australia not with Hatch.
