Principal Finance Business Partner

As part of an exciting transformation of the finance function, Legal Services is currently recruiting both a Principal Finance Business Partner and a Financial Controller. These complementary leadership roles will work closely together and with the Chief Financial Officer to strengthen financial capability, improve systems and processes, enhance governance, and provide strategic support to organisational decision-making.

About the Role

We are seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking finance professional to undertake this newly created role of Principal Finance Business Partner. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will be a trusted advisor to senior leaders, helping shape business outcomes through strong financial stewardship, robust analysis and effective stakeholder partnerships.

As the Principal Finance Business Partner, you will be responsible for driving Legal Services' financial transformation agenda, establishing a contemporary finance business partnering function, and leading the modernisation of financial systems, processes and reporting capabilities. The role provides strategic financial leadership and commercial insight to support informed decision-making, sustainable resource allocation and the achievement of organisational objectives.

As the Principal Finance Business Partner, you will lead the development of a high-performing finance partnering model that enhances financial capability and accountability across the organisation.

You will provide expert financial advice, oversee budgeting and forecasting activities, strengthen financial governance, and drive significant system and process improvements that improve efficiency, data quality and organisational performance.
This role offers a unique opportunity to influence strategic decision-making while delivering meaningful transformation in a complex and dynamic environment.

About You

You are a highly credible finance leader with extensive experience partnering with senior stakeholders, influencing decisions and delivering finance transformation outcomes in complex environments.

You will bring:

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or a related discipline.
  
• Exceptional ability to present complex financial information and risk-based advice clearly and succinctly to senior managers and executives.
  
• Strong analytical capability, including the ability to interpret complex financial data, identify trends, assess risks and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations.
• Proven ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders and influence decision-making.
  
• Extensive experience developing trusted business partnerships with senior stakeholders and influencing strategic decisions.
  
• Experience leading financial systems implementations, process redesign and digital transformation initiatives.
  
• Experience applying financial management principles within a public sector environment, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, variance analysis, budget adjustments, accounting treatments and end-of-year processes.

Salary Range

ASO8: $130,046 to $134,956 per annum pro rata plus superannuation and leave loading

As a not-for-profit organisation, Legal Services can offer its employees attractive salary sacrifice arrangements, including up to $15,900 pre-tax Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) year for general living expenses.

Term of Employment

Ongoing contract available at the ASO8 classification level.

Workplace Benefits

We provide a range of financial and non-financial benefits to our employees that include:

• The opportunity to work alongside passionate and dedicated colleagues in a supportive workplace that is concerned about employee well-being.
• Generous salary sacrifice benefits through Smart Salary (as outlined above).
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Payment of Practising Certificate for legal staff.
• Payment of relevant Professional memberships.
• Support for employees and their family through our inclusive Employee Assistance Program.
• Supported training and development opportunities in areas including working with vulnerable clients, cultural sensitivity and trauma informed practice.
• Access to a comprehensive in-house legal Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program.
• Contemporary workplace accommodation.
• Career development opportunities within the team and the organisation.
• Payment of employment screening checks.
• Access to Fitness Passport: a workplace health and fitness program that give you and your family access to wide choice of gyms and pools across South Australia.

Next Steps

To apply for this role, you will need to click on the Apply now button. Have your resume, preferably in a PDF version ready to be attached and a cover letter. Your cover letter should clearly demonstrate how your skills, experience and qualifications align with the key requirements outlined in the Position Description. All applications are to be submitted by 20/09/2026 at 11:59 PM.

Should you require any further information please direct your query to Becky Janaway, Chief Financial Officer on 08 8111 5751.

Please refer to the position description for more detail.

We welcome applications from everyone. We are an inclusive employer, and support diversity and inclusion by recognising our staff for their unique qualities, ideas, and insights.

Flexibility Statement

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.