Principal Finance Business Partner

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) lead the sustainable development of Western Australia’s regions and agriculture, aquaculture, food and fisheries sectors. In everything we do, we take an approach to protect, grow and innovate WA’s economy, community and environment. 

We value diversity and understand diverse workplaces are more effective and innovative so we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, youth, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

It is also important to be aware that DPIRD is an emergency management department and so on occasion, all employees may be required to work or travel during, or outside of, normal business hours to assist with incidents and emergencies. 

To learn more about our department, our team and the work we do, please visit our website. 

About the opportunity

We are seeking experienced, forward‑thinking, and impact‑driven finance leaders to join our team as Principal Finance Business Partners. This is a role for someone who thrives on complexity, embraces challenge, and is motivated by the opportunity to shape meaningful change across a large and diverse organisation.

As a Principal Finance Business Partner, you will lead a team of Finance Business Partners to deliver high‑quality budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and reporting that drive informed decision‑making and organisational performance. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the Department’s financial strategy, contributing to the annual budget estimates cycle, financial performance reporting, and external funding management.

This is not a role for someone who wants to sit on the sidelines. We are looking for leaders who are strategic yet hands on people who can guide, mentor, and uplift their team, while also rolling up their sleeves and working alongside them when needed. You will champion innovation, drive continuous improvement, and bring fresh thinking to financial processes, systems, and stakeholder engagement.

Acting as a trusted advisor, you will provide proactive insights on financial performance, risks, and opportunities, ensuring accountability, transparency, and alignment with departmental goals. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on financial governance, resource management, and the delivery of government priorities across Western Australia.

We currently have one (1) permanent full-time opportunity and one (1) fixed-term full-time opportunity until May 2027 available for immediate filling. 

Applications are now open for Level 7 Principal Finance Business Partners. Candidates found suitable through this process will be placed in a pool and may be offered a permanent or fixed term position where they become vacant over the next 12 months. Those candidates initially appointed on a fixed term basis may also be offered a permanent position in the future and may be eligible for conversion to permanency.  

About the team and benefits

We are genuinely committed to developing and supporting our workforce to be their best by creating a positive work environment, supporting work/life balance and encouraging our employees to learn on the job and build their skills.

Some of the benefits of this job and working at DPIRD include:

• The opportunity to deliver on Government priorities
• Exposure to complex, multi‑funding streams and diverse financial environments.
• Four weeks annual leave, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Three Public Service holidays each year.
• Long service leave accruing every seven years.
• Modern, easily accessible and centrally located office premises and facilities, with proximity to a range of public transport options.
• Corporate discounts with selected health insurance providers.
• Access to a range of flexible working arrangements, including working from home for 50 percent of your work week and a range of generous leave entitlements.

Assessment criteria and eligibility

We are looking for individuals with:    

• Substantial experience delivering contemporary financial management in a large, complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of financial frameworks and governance requirements, with the ability to maintain compliance while upholding transparency and integrity.
• Advanced proficiency in ERP systems, financial platforms, and digital tools, with the capability to leverage data analytics to deliver strategic insights and support evidence based decision making.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build productive relationships and influence at all levels, including executives.
• A mindset geared toward innovation, problem solving, and driving positive change.

• The confidence to lead a team while remaining grounded, collaborative, and willing to support operational delivery when required.

To be eligible for appointment we will also require you to submit copies of your right to work in Australia (citizenship, residency, relevant visa) as part of your application to demonstrate you meet the position requirements.  

For further information and requirements for this position, please see the attached Job Description Form (JDF). 

How to apply 

If you are interested in this opportunity, make sure you have read through all the attached information, click the ‘Apply’ button and upload the following:  

• A comprehensive CV that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements including details of your referees.  
• A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages demonstrating how your skills, knowledge, experience and attributes relate to this opportunity and the values of DPIRD.
• Copies of any relevant documents to demonstrate you are eligible for appointment.

The successful candidate will also be required to provide a current National Police Certificate (police clearance) before commencing employment. If not currently held, this must be acquired prior to appointment, which will be at your expense. 

Please be aware that late applications will not be accepted. It is your responsibility to ensure it has been submitted prior to the closing date and time. If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 ***.

Further information and support

To find out more about the opportunity, please contact Ellisha Fletcher-Reddy, Assistant Director Finance Business Partnering on 0483 181 *** during office hours or send an email to ***************@dpird.wa.gov.au.   

We are planning to conduct interviews for shortlisted candidates. If required, we may also use other assessment methods to gather evidence in relation to the suitability requirements of the position and supplement the field of applications by conducting a candidate search.

If you have any support or access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in this assessment process, or other questions about the recruitment process, please contact our Talent team via ***********@dpird.wa.gov.au or (08) 6552 1***.

Privacy and your personal information 

DPIRD handles and releases information in accordance with relevant privacy and information access laws including the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI) and the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024  (WA) (PRIS). Further information is available via our Privacy Statement.