Ongoing & Non-ongoing for a period of up to 24 monthsExecutive Level 1 ($126,342 - $143,993) plus 15.4% superannuationCanberra, ACTLocation: Canberra, ACTApplication Closing Date: Sunday 15 February at 11:30pm AEDT
Classification
Executive Level 1 ($126,342 - $143,993)
Employment Type
Ongoing & Non-ongoing (for a period up to 24 months)
This role is being advertised as both ongoing and non-ongoing, with the employment type to be determined in negotiation with the preferred candidate and the PM&C delegate.
Where a non-ongoing specified term is offered, this would be for a maximum period of two (2) years. If the initial contract is for less than 2 years, it may be extended or renewed once, up to the 2 year limit.
A non-ongoing offer may result in conversion to an ongoing offer of employment, however this must occur within 18 months from the opening date of this advertisement.
Flexible Work
At DVSC we recognise the broad benefits of offering flexibility in how, when and where work is performed. We consider flexibility first from a starting position of ‘how can we make this work?’ and consider individual circumstances and operational requirements in making genuine attempts to establish mutually beneficial arrangements. Please reach out to the contact officer if you would like to explore what flexibility might look like for you, such as part time work, variable start and finish times or working from home.
About The Defence And Veterans' Service Commission
The Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission (DVSC) provides independent oversight and evidence-based advice to government on reforms to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.
The Australian Government established the DVSC as a new Non-corporate Commonwealth Entity (NCE) on 29 September 2025 in response to the key recommendation of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Key Functions Of The DVSC Include
Monitoring, inquiring and reporting on issues relevant to suicide and suicidality for serving and ex-serving ADF membersMonitoring, inquiring and reporting on the implementation of the Government’s response to the recommendations of the Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal CommissionImproving supports for serving and ex-serving ADF membersWorking with coroners to understand issues contributing to Defence and veteran deaths by suicide, andPromoting an understanding of suicide risks and wellbeing for Defence members and veterans, including through engaging with people with lived experience.
Working at the DVSC
As a new agency, the DVSC is now recruiting staff and will continue to do so over the coming year. You have an opportunity to join us now where your expertise can help influence and shape our strategy in support of the Commissioner’s independent oversight of wide-ranging reforms across the Defence and veteran ecosystem now and into the future.
We are looking to recruit high performing and dedicated staff with a range of capabilities, who demonstrate integrity, independence and compassion. A key focus of the DVSC’s work is the prevention of suicide and suicidality. While the DVSC has a proactive wellbeing program, applicants are encouraged to consider their personal circumstances when applying for this role. Applicants can familiarise themselves with the findings and recommendations of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide for further information.
The DVSC is an independent agency. We are currently physically located in Canberra, within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet under a shared service arrangement. While we transition our employment framework, the successful candidate may be on-boarded via the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and subsequently transitioned to the DVSC.
Employment with the DVSC is offered under the Public Service (Terms and Conditions of Employment) (Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission) Determination 2025.
About The Role
The Corporate and Governance team is responsible for delivering enabling services that support the operation of the Commission and facilitate the Commission’s compliance with legislation, policies and guidelines as a non-corporate Commonwealth entity.
The team is responsible for managing the efficient and effective operations of the DVSC, across finance, procurement, security, property, ICT, information management and governance. The team ensures DVSC's compliance with regulatory requirements and obligations and manages operational risk to protect the Commission’s assets and reputation. The team develops the Commission’s strategic framework, delivers on strategic objectives and strategic projects relating to enabling functions and contributes to the delivery of whole of agency priorities. The team supports efficient resource management and corporate accountability through functions such as financial management, performance reporting, parliamentary services, procurement and property management.
We Are Seeking a Skilled And Experienced Assistant Director, Finance And Procurement To Join The DVSC. You Will Operate Under Broad Direction To Coordinate Enabling Functions, Governance Frameworks, Compliance Processes, And Assurance Activities That Support Effective Decision-making And Uphold The DVSC’s Integrity And Accountability. You Will
Deliver effective management accounting including setting internal budgets, monitoring expenditure, forecasting, analysis and financial reporting including to the executive, and through whole of government systemsProvide specialist financial advice to business areas, the Chief Operating Officer and executive to support effective decision-makingPrepare timely and accurate financial statements that satisfy Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 requirements and in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards. Manage financial reconciliations, stocktaking, journals, and end-of-month and year processes that underpin the financial statementsWork with the portfolio entity, providing the DVSC’s input for budget publications, and other items such as Senate Orders, in a timely and accurate mannerSupport the DVSC with costing and liaison with the Department of Finance for new policy proposalsAdminister and manage the Central Budget Management System (CBMS) for the DVSC. Administer and manage the DVSC’s bank account, credit cards and travel contractsAdvise business areas on procurement activities to encourage compliance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules.
What You Will Bring
The occupant of this role demonstrates integrity, independence and compassion while delivering the work of the Commission and has:
Experience in financial management and reporting, including proficiency in internal and external budget processes and the production of financial statementsProven experience in risk management, compliance monitoring and corporate reporting, including in relation to the PGPA and the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs)Excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience in drafting informative and useful documents for colleagues and executivesA flexible and adaptable approach, and is comfortable in working in a dynamic environmentExperience using whole of government systems relating to finance in the CommonwealthStrong understanding of governance principles, frameworks and best-practice in the APSDemonstrated ability to work under limited guidance, identify problems or issues and resolve them.
Qualifications / Experience
The following is required:
Chartered Accountant (CA)/Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) or equivalentDemonstrated broad experience in public accounting practices including internal budgeting, financial statements, taxation and asset managementDemonstrated experience using the Commonwealth CBMS systemDemonstrated experience in implementation of the PGPA Act 2013,CPRs and associated compliance requirementsStrong experience in financial and resource management, including the provision of high quality information to support decision makingDemonstrated, sound understanding and application of the CPRs.
The Following Is Highly Regarded
Experience managing the finance function of a small or extra small Commonwealth government entityProviding procurement advice within a Commonwealth government settingSound understanding of other Commonwealth frameworks, such as Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).
Flexible Work
At PM&C we recognise the broad benefits of offering flexibility in how, when and where work is performed. We consider flexibility first from a starting position of ‘how can we make this work?’ and consider individual circumstances and operational requirements in making genuine attempts to establish mutually beneficial arrangements. Please reach out to the contact officer if you would like to explore what flexibility might look like for you, such as part time work, variable start and finish times or working from home.
Eligibility
Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the APS unless the Agency Head has agreed otherwise, in writing. At DVSC to be eligible for this position you should be an Australian Citizen by the completion of the recruitment process, except under exceptional circumstances.The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level.The successful candidate will be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check, and will normally be subject to a six-month probation period if new to the APS or has not yet completed their probation period elsewhere in the APS.Due to the nature of work the DVSC undertakes, some roles may require staff to obtain and maintain a WWVP registration card, as per the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011.
Security Clearance Required
Negative Vetting Level 1 (Secret)
How To Apply
If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you! Submit an online application through the Apply link by 11:30pm AEDT on Sunday 15 February.