SES-1 Director, Schools Finance and Resources
About the Department
The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.
The department provides policy leadership, 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 50 new early learning centres.
About the Division
Financial Services Division's (FSD) purpose is defined in it vision statement: `Advancing Learning Outcomes through Financial Excellence'. FSD is responsible for designing and implementing financial management principles, processes and systems to ensure an appropriate financial management and assurance environment within schools, groups, regions, and the statutory authorities.
About the Role
The Director of Schools Finance and Resources Branch's (SFRB) role purpose is to strategically lead and manage a team of approximately 50 staff to deliver:
* The efficient and effective allocation of resources to Government and Non-Government schools
* Budget management and analysis of the school budgets
* Design and advice on schools' financial policies and governance
* On-site and virtual assistance to schools in relation to budget management including compliance
* Assurance for school transactions as part of the broader DE School Assurance Framework
* Maintenance and development of the Student Resource Package and Financial Assistance Model
* Programs that support students with access to education provision and to participate in school-based activities through the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund
Attributes
Personal Attributes
Flexibility and Adaptability: Works to find new ways to deliver outcomes and recognises the merits of different options, responding accordingly. Has the courage to alter strategies in situations when there are clear indications that existing strategies may not deliver the best outcomes. Builds commitment of others to adopt new strategies, to deliver against outcomes.
Working Collaboratively: Builds a culture of collaboration across the department. Looks for and facilitates opportunities to collaborate with external stakeholders. Identifies and overcomes barriers to communication with internal and external stakeholders.
Meaningful Outcomes
Strategic Planning: Guides others through the strategic planning process, creating a shared vision for the future. Has a comprehensive understanding of external and internal issues that influence the strategic direction of the department. Ensures that overall strategic plan cascades to operational and team planning processes and performance plans. Provides subject matter expertise and building capability of others.
Systems Thinking: Formulates potential courses of action to achieve objectives based on an in-depth understanding of the business environment and its systems. Champions system thinking across the department and VPS more broadly acting as a thought leader in this area.
Enabling Delivery
Business and Commercial Acumen: Drives a culture of value add and/or return of investment. Considers economic indicators to inform strategic direction and manage departmental risk. Drive efficiencies in back-office functions to better support the business.
Political and Organisational Context: Uses strategic relationships and knowledge to predict and prepare for the impact of events on the department. Understands the impact of external events and changing stakeholder needs on the department and government. Drives a values-based culture by holding self and department accountable in adhering to public sector values.
Authentic Relationships
Communicate with Impact: Identifies key messages and information required for decision-making. Provides high level advice on influencing and the needs of target audiences. Provides advice on the content and style appropriate to the audience.
Stakeholder Management: Identifies and manages a range of complex and often competing needs. Facilitates innovative solutions to resolve stakeholder issues.
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
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Tonella Costa - Chief Finance Officer via or
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 on 11:59 pm on 20 February 2026