About the Role
This role requires a dedicated and results-driven individual who thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. As a Financial Accountant, you will be responsible for assisting with the preparation of monthly, mid-year, and annual financial reports for the department, Victorian government schools, Victorian government early learning centres and statutory authorities. You will also play a key role in overseeing the delivery and integrity of the department's financial data, ensuring the general ledger is accurate, complies with relevant accounting standards, legislation and government requirements, and supports effective reporting and forecasting. A strong commitment to meeting deadlines and upholding the highest standards of financial integrity and compliance is essential. Additionally, you will be expected to build and maintain effective relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. If you are a self-motivated professional with a passion for delivering exceptional results, we encourage you to apply.
The Financial Accountant:
- manages one VPS3 Assistant Financial Accountant and contractors/graduates as necessary.
- is responsible for the integration of government schools financial data into Oracle, preparation of month end journals, and key balance sheet reconciliations including the contributed capital, suspense and inter-entity accounts as well as ad-hoc reporting needs such as FOI requests.
- supports the maintenance of the department's chart of accounts, including creating new segments and updating cross-validation rules.
- assists in ensuring that financial accounting policies and procedures are maintained to reflect current practices and assists in any project work to be carried out by the team.
- assists with the preparation of the department's annual financial statements and follow up VAGO requirements and queries including preparation of Notes to the Financial Statements and co-ordinating AASB16 Leases and AASB124 Related Party Disclosures data collection processes.
- prepares and coordinates reporting tasks such as variance reporting to DTF, PAEC questionnaires and briefings and ad-hoc Freedom of Information and senior management requests.
- is expected to work flexibly within the team, including assistance with processing functions (cash management, accounts receivable and payables) and supporting other ad-hoc reporting activities and projects
Attributes
To be considered for the role, you must be able to demonstrate:
- Knowledge of Australian Accounting Standards and the Financial Management Compliance Framework, including the Financial Management Act and the Standing Directions
- Experience in consolidating and reporting schools financial data
- Practical knowledge of chart of accounts and business rule maintenance in a financial system as applied to the department
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders, both verbally and written - in both formal (briefing) and informal styles.
- Demonstrated ability to work with large data sets and utilise and investigate abnormalities found in financial systems (Oracle, CASES21, SRIMS) using products such as Microsoft Excel.
- Ability to plan and meet strict reporting timelines and requirements.
- Ability to demonstrate the capabilities above as applied to the business, systems and processes of the Department of Education will be highly advantageous.
Candidates are requested to submit a (1) Resume and (2) Responses to Key Selection Criterea. Both skills testing and interview(s) are required in the selection process.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Essential : Bachelor's degree Finance - Accounting
- Desirable: An analytical STEM degree (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics)
- Essential: CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants (or actively working towards membership)
About the department
The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.
The department provides policy leadership and plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and early learning centres.
About the division
Financial Services Division
The division is responsible for the design and implementation of financial management principles, processes and systems to ensure that the department and its managers in central office, regions, schools and statutory authorities have the necessary support to execute their financial management responsibilities.
About the branch
Finance and Compliance Branch
The Finance and Compliance Branch is responsible for:
- Ensuring that the financial records of the department are maintained in an accurate manner that enables the timely extraction of financial data across the department.
- Compilation of the department's financial and taxation returns to its various stakeholders
- Ensuring the department's compliance with the Financial Management and Taxation Compliance Frameworks
- Supporting and maintaining the department's ledger and transaction processing.
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Carol Yan - Senior Financial Accountant via carol.yan@education.vic.gov.au.
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please advise via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the advertisement or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday, 02 October 2025