An exciting opportunity to join our team and play an important role in the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership (Academy). The Academy's mission is to enhance and improve student outcomes across rural, regional and metropolitan schools through specialised professional learning and pathways, and to raise public awareness of the profession. Information on our legislated objectives is available on our website: Our strategy and story | Academy At the Academy, we are passionate about meaningful and exciting work that has an impact on education and student outcomes. Our shared purpose is to create and offer evidence-informed professional learning programs, events and initiatives designed to take Victoria's highly skilled teachers and school leaders from great to exceptional and advance the quality and status of teaching and school leadership. We also provide pathways for school and system improvement and raise public awareness of and confidence in the profession across government, Catholic and independent systems. We care about the quality of our work, demonstrate collective responsibility for continuous improvement and support each other to do the very best we can every day to achieve our goals. The Academy is a learning organisation that provides opportunities for employees to grow. We have a positive culture that we are building together, where people feel supported, valued and heard. About the Division As a Division of the Academy, the Business Services Division leads the provision of quality Academy corporate support services and functions (including procurement, project management and program governance, human resources and culture architecture, finance, facilities management and, risk, audit and reporting) which enable successful operation of the Academy. In addition, the Business Services Division is responsible for the oversight, delivery and reporting of the compliance obligations required of a statutory authority. The Finance team leads the Academy's financial management, including forecasting and budgeting, cost modelling, invoicing, accounts payable and receivable, and reporting. About the Role As Finance Officer you will support the successful delivery of courses, events and programs. The purpose of this role is to provide financial support and knowledge to Academy staff and external stakeholders. Reporting to the Team Leader – Finance, you will support financial activities and provide capability building to ensure the Academy's operations run smoothly. You will have responsibility for the effective and efficient facilitation of purchasing activities, reporting, and journals, and contribute to budget management and development, and provide sound financial advice to all levels of the Academy. To be successful in this role you will: * Be proficient in accounts payable and/or receivable and reconciliation * Have a solid understanding of financial reporting and month end processes, including journals * Be able to provide advice on finance matters to a diverse VPS and Teaching Service workforce * Build collaborative relationships with teams across the Academy * Provide outstanding levels of service while constructively dealing with issues that arise in a timely manner * Contribute to financial capability building and innovation across the Academy * Demonstrate a solid understanding of general accounting controls and compliance requirements. Capabilities * Ensures that day to day planning and work processes are in line with team/department strategy * Understands associated costs of operations and seek efficient ways of operating * Where external vendors are involved, ensure good understanding on engagement terms and hold parties involved accountable in delivering against agreement * Resolves issues through deep understanding or interpretation of existing guidelines * Where guidelines are not available, analyses ideas available and takes action through self, or in consultation with others to resolve problems. Desirable Qualifications and Experience * A tertiary qualification in finance or accounting * Experience working in a dynamic, high performing finance function in a large complex organisation * Strong knowledge and understanding of finance policies, procedures, and practices * Good financial analysis skills and demonstrated experience working in a finance function in a public sector environment * Excellent customer service ability when communicating with internal and external stakeholders * Proven ability to effectively engage and build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels through effective communication and exceptional consulting abilities * Ability to interpret and convey specialist finance concepts and policies to diverse stakeholders * Effective problem-solving capability to resolve or escalate operational service queries * Experience in the application and use of cloud based financial systems, preferably Oracle Financials. Further Information For more details regarding this position please see attached position description. Please respond by submitting a cover letter, supported by a maximum 2-page response to the key selection criteria and a recent CV/Resume. For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Andrew Kukuljan, Team Leader-Finance via (03) 7022 1215 Phone or andrew.kukuljan@education.vic.gov.au email. 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. 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 let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements. Applications close 11:59pm on 01/04/2026