Head of Finance
We're seeking a strategic, forward‐thinking Head of Finance to lead MHNSW's financial strategy, governance and performance. This pivotal CFO and leadership role sits within a public institution with deep cultural and community impact. If you are energised by a dynamic environment where you can shape a sustainable long‐term financial vision, strengthen organisational capability and support informed decision‐making, this is an opportunity to lead with purpose and influence meaningful outcomes.
What the opportunity is:
* Employment with Museums of History NSW.
* Clerk Grade 11/12. Remuneration package includes salary ($149,739 - $173,174), employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.
* Full-time ongoing employment.
* The role will work across Sydney.
What we do
Museums of History NSW brings together a portfolio of iconic museums, rich collections and heritage sites, the nation's oldest archive collection, vital recordkeeping services and expert staff.
We bring history to life by sharing the stories of our places and collections. Through the State Archives Collection, we manage NSW's official documentary heritage, supporting government transparency and the public's right to access information.
These two roles do not just sit side by side – they inform and enrich each other. By preserving and making accessible our places, collections and archives, we create opportunities for people to explore the past and better understand their own place in the world. By supporting lifelong learning and inviting people to come together, we promote civic literacy, empathy, wellbeing and belonging.
We believe that history belongs to everyone. This is the promise and the purpose of MHNSW.
Museums of History NSW is a state cultural institution, established under the Museums of History NSW Act 2022. It is an agency of the NSW Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).
What you'll do with us:
The Head of Finance is a key strategic leadership role at Museums of History NSW (MHNSW) responsible for overseeing all financial operations, driving best practice financial management and supporting informed decision-making across the organisation. As Chief Financial Officer, this role stewards financial strategy, ensuring compliance with legislative and governance requirements, whilst enabling MHNSW's performance and attainment of its strategic goals and commercial ambitions, all of which underpin its long-term financial sustainability.
Leading a high-performing Finance team, the Head of Finance role drives excellence in financial management, statutory and management reporting, cash and liquidity management, forecasting and insight-led analysis. The Head of Finance partners across boundaries within our MHNSW business providing trusted, authoritative advice, and establishing strong procurement guardrails that uphold probity, compliance and value for money across the organisation.
The Head of Finance is a key conduit for MHNSW with DCITHS and NSW Treasury, as well as from time to time with other NSW Cultural Institutions.
Key to the success of this role will be developing and maintaining strong, positive and collaborative working relationships both internally throughout MHSW, as well as externally with corresponding personnel in both DCITHS and NSW Treasury.
For more information on the role, you are welcome to contact Recruitment via .
Click here for the role description, including the capabilities required for this role.
What you need to do to apply
To apply you will need to submit the following:
* A one to two page cover letter outlining how your skills and experiences meet the essential requirements for this role.
* A current resume listing two referees, and
* Respond to the 3 targeted questions (no more than 300 words per answer). Your responses to the targeted questions should be submitted online during your application and not included in the covering letter.
What you need to tell us - Targeted questions:
1. Outline a time when you introduced a new governance framework, financial controls or planning processes as part of a broader financial strategy or mandated change in requirements. How did you develop what was required and how did these changes improve financial discipline, transparency or decision-making?
2. Provide an example of where you developed a financial strategy that supported both core organisational objectives and new growth or commercial opportunities. How did you assess risk, affordability and return on investment?
3. Outline a time when you worked closely with senior leaders or business units to improve financial performance or resource allocation. How did you build trust and influence decision-making and what was the result?
Essential requirements of the role:
* At least eight years of experience in financial management and accounting, including budgeting, reporting and financial planning in medium to large private or government sector organisations, with proven senior-level experience.
* University-level qualifications in finance or accounting, plus CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) accreditation.
* Thorough knowledge of Australian Accounting Standards, legislative and other NSW Government requirements, including the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983, Treasury Directions and NSW public sector financial and NSW procurement frameworks.
* High level of business acumen, coupled with strong experience in developing and providing advice on financial strategy, risk and operational performance, including statutory reporting, cash management, financial modelling.
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, practical advice and to build strong positive working relationships with senior leaders, stakeholders and teams across the organisation.
* Demonstrated collaborative leadership capability, underpinned by the highest standards of integrity, ethical conduct and sound judgement, with proven experience leading, managing and developing high‐performing teams.
* Proficiency in ERP/accounting systems and proven experience in applying financial, procurement and audit compliance requirements within a complex organisational environment.
* Willingness to work across MHNSW sites and ability to travel to multiple locations.
Also note:
* For additional resources to help prepare your application and understanding of the process please refer to Applying for a job.
* Our team can provide alternative formats to apply, make adjustments to the recruitment process and offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks. If you are a person who requires adjustment and would like to request assistance, please contact .
* For technical support with your application please contact .
* To be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.
* All successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal record check with NSW Police.
* A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.
Submit your application before the closing date: 10am Wednesday 25 March 2026.
Diversity and Flexible Working
We are expert keepers and tellers of history, and its many stories, peoples, and cultures. We want to create a team and workplace that reflects this diversity as well as the diversity in the communities we serve. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better, more inclusive results and connects our people to our communities, to our history, and to each other.
Our vision is to support and empower First Nations people, communities and culture, and across the sites that we care for, we are committed to shifting perspectives, truth telling and delivering honest reflections on history.
We understand that flexibility means different things to different people and are committed to offering flexible work arrangements where and when possible.
If you are a First Nations applicant who would like to have a yarn about the role, or require additional support, please contact Dennis Taylor our Manager First Nations Employment & Engagement on 02 8239 2284 or via .
Our team can provide alternative formats to apply, make adjustments to the recruitment process and offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks.
If you are a person who requires adjustment and would like to request assistance, please contact Liz Akerboom on 02 8239 2355 or via .
For more information, please visit:
Information on some of the different types of disabilities.
Information on adjustments available for the recruitment process.
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.