EMPLOYMENT

Who we are We are Australia's National Vocational Education and Training (VET) regulator. What we do We regulate providers that deliver VET qualifications and courses to students in Australia or offer Australian qualifications internationally, providers that deliver VET courses to overseas students, and certain providers that deliver English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students. We also accredit VET courses to make sure nationally approved standards are met. Why we do it We ensure quality VET so that students, industry, governments and the community have confidence in the integrity of national qualifications issues by training providers, and that students are protected from any practices that come at the expense of their ability to gain the required competencies. ASQA supports and promotes a strong team culture, a safe, healthy and happy workplace and the sharing of knowledge. Visit our website for more information about ASQA , including our role and how we regulate. The key duties of the position include About the Opportunity We are seeking a Chief Financial Officer who holds a critical leadership role, responsible for safeguarding the organisation's financial integrity, ensuring long-term sustainability, and driving strategic financial planning. Leading a small, high-performing team, the CFO oversees key functions including financial management, budgeting, procurement, and compliance. This role ensures that financial operations are aligned with ASQA's purpose of delivering high-quality vocational education and training across Australia. Key responsibilities: Develop and implement financial strategies that support ASQA's strategic objectives and ensure long-term financial sustainability Manage agency-wide budgeting and resource allocation, ensuring financial decisions are aligned with organisational priorities Provide accurate and timely financial reporting and strategic advice to the CEO, Executive Committee, and Audit and Risk Committee to support evidence-based decision making. Lead to uplift of financial systems, processes and capability, by driving continuous improvement, efficiency and transparency across financial operations Ensure compliance with relevant government policies, legislation, and accounting standards, maintaining high standards of financial governance Oversee financial risk management and contribute to governance frameworks, ensuring financial risks are identified monitored and effectively mitigated. Lead the delivery of core financial services, including the preparation of annual financial statements, submissions, procurement planning and reporting to internal and external governance bodies. Promote a culture of integrity, ethical financial stewardship, and continuous improvement, aligned with APS and ASQA values while supporting the agency's regulatory reform agendas. Skills and experience To succeed in this role, you will have: Demonstrated success in leading financial strategy, budgeting and planning, including proven ability to provide authoritative advice to ensure the long-term financial sustainability and integrity of the organisation. In-depth understanding of the Commonwealth financial management environment, including the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act), budgetary frameworks, and resource management principles. Demonstrated ability to think strategically and apply insight to complex financial and operational challenges. High-level communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate, and build trust with senior internal stakeholders, government agencies, committees, and external partners. A strong record of leading and developing high-performing teams in dynamic environments. Tertiary qualifications in finance, accounting, or a related discipline, with full professional membership of CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants, or an equivalent body. A demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership, the APS Values and Code of Conduct, and best practice in public administration and financial stewardship. Mandatory: To apply for this position, you must be an Australian Citizen. The successful applicant will be required to undergo employment checks and obtain a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance (if they do not already hold a clearance). The successful applicant will be a qualified Accountant - CA or CPA. Desirable: Substantial experience in senior roles managing accounting, finance and budgeting, with a sound grasp of Commonwealth PGPA requirements (in a small-sized and/or regulatory agency would be an advantage). Experience in a wide range of entities, potentially a combination of public and private sector. Experience in implementing financial capability, process and system improvements Understanding of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Australia including the regulatory framework (or capacity to quickly develop such an understanding). We are committed to providing a working environment that values diversity and inclusion and supports staff to reach their full potential. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA) community, people with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and people with neurological differences. What we offer You will be joining a dynamic workforce at ASQA that will support you to thrive in your career. You will have access to: generous leave entitlements a competitive salary (with clear and transparent salary progression and scheduled salary increases) 15.4% superannuation flexible working arrangements that promote work-life balance, including working from home and hybrid working arrangements flexible working hours professional development opportunities health and wellbeing events throughout the year free and confidential 24/7 counselling through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), available for staff and their family members a $300 annual healthy lifestyle allowance additional paid time off during the Christmas close-down period. Benefits of working in the APS Purpose and meaning - the Australian Public Service (APS) offers a clear purpose and meaningful work where you can make a positive impact in people's lives. Opportunities to learn and grow - regardless of where you are in your career or what your skills are, there's a pathway and role for you. Community and belonging - we believe everyone belongs. Our leaders are focused on building a workplace which values diverse views, backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives. Flexibility and balance - we are committed to offering flexibility for all APS roles. We know flexibility is important so you can balance your work and personal priorities. Conditions and lifestyle - be a part of a secure, dynamic public service with great conditions of employment in a diverse range of roles and locations to support your lifestyle.