Assistant Director, Property Finance

ABOUT THE BRANCH

The Property Management and Projects branch is responsible for whole of life property asset management and related advice to Australian Government agencies. Whole of life property asset management involves:

• Asset creation and utilisation through project planning and delivery as requested by Government.
• Ongoing management of the Finance owned estate, and implementation of conservation and sustainability strategies.
• Asset end-of-life strategies and disposals.

Finance's property portfolio is diverse, including the Commonwealth law courts and various special purpose properties such as the Ben Chifley Building, Australia's Post-entry Quarantine Facility, the Royal Australian Mint building, the Treasury Building, John Gorton Building and the Centres for National Resilience. Finance is assisted by its Property Service Provider to ensure strategic and effective ongoing management and maintenance of the Finance owned estate.

The Branch is also responsible for major capital works planning including to support agencies meet requirements under Budget Process Operating Rules, undertaking remediation projects and the divestment of property in accordance with the Commonwealth Property Disposal Policy.

The Branch also manages and reports on the Property Special Account.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The role is within the Property Finance team which provides financial management to the Property and Construction Division and the Major Projects Division, to support effective planning and budgeting, implementation and reporting for the business. The team works closely with business areas to provide financial support including for the management of the Finance Owned Estate, delivery of remediation and divestment projects, other property and construction projects, and development of business systems. Most activities of the Divisions are managed through the Property Special Account. 

The responsibilities and functions of the team include:

• Monthly financial reporting including the preparation of month-end accounts and providing Executive Board variance commentary. 
• Work with branches and cost centre / project managers to provide cost centre and project expenditure and variance commentary reports.
• Work with Division Executives to develop and review budgets, forecasts and other financial information, ensuring available funding is effectively allocated to support division priorities.
• Manage the annual property valuation process.
• Work with Finance’s Chief Financial Officer Branch and other stakeholders including auditors and governance committees in preparation of Finance’s annual financial statements and other regulatory requirements.
• Review and update financial control systems and policies in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, PGPA and departmental policies.

As a Finance Business Partner (Assistant Director) Property Finance Team, you will:

• Support the Director to manage the Division’s budget in line with strategic priorities, risks and outcomes
• In collaboration with business areas, undertake budget development, integrated and aligned with the Division operational plan, and quarterly forecast management in support of comprehensive financial management.
• Lead the team to perform end of month activities, including journals preparation, transaction analysis, variance analysis, explanations and insights, and ad hoc reports production.
• Lead in monthly discussions with the business areas and provide ad hoc financial briefings to senior Division leaders.
• Support the Director in the financial accounting and management reporting functions for the Divisions.
• Together with the Director, lead the annual property valuation process.
• Work with Finance’s CFO Branch in end of financial year processes including external audits, preparation of annual financial statements and other ad hoc requests.
• Ability to work collaboratively, with internal and external stakeholders to achieve outcomes.
• Contribute to the ongoing continuous improvement activities within the team.

As a central agency of the Australian Government, the Department of Finance (Finance) plays an important role in assisting government across a wide range of policy areas to ensure its outcomes are met. Finance supports the government's ongoing priorities through the Budget process and fosters leading practice through the public sector resource management, governance and accountability frameworks. Finance plays a leading role in advising the government on many of its strategic priorities. We do this through our professional and considered approach to providing advice, developing policy, delivering services and engaging with our clients and stakeholders. Finance's key areas of focus are: - Budget - Business Enabling Services - Commercial - Governance and Resource Management