- Canberra, ACT (The agency supports and promotes flexible working, including remote options on negotiation and where appropriate based on the specifics of the role)
- Ongoing/Non-Ongoing (The position is Ongoing, however Non-Ongoing employment may be offered for an initial engagement of up to 12 months)
- $150,252 - $176,995 + Superannuation

About the Branch

The Corporate Branch delivers enabling services that support the effective and efficient operation of the agency and ensures compliance with legislation, policies and government frameworks as a non-corporate Commonwealth entity. The branch supports corporate accountability, resource stewardship and organisational capability including communications, human resources, finance, procurement, planning, parliamentary services, reporting, facilities management and security.

About the Section

The Finance team supports the agency through the delivery of high-quality financial management, budgeting, reporting, procurement, treasury and strategic financial advisory services. The section works closely with business areas to ensure resources are managed effectively and that financial management practices support organisational objectives, legislative compliance and value-for-money outcomes.

The Cost Recovery Manager is responsible for establishing, maintaining and continuously improving the agency's cost recovery framework and capability to support existing and future regulatory schemes. The role leads cost recovery policy, costing methodologies, charging models and stakeholder engagement activities to ensure alignment with the Australian Government Charging Framework and Department of Finance guidance.

About the Role

We are seeking a strategic and experienced financial leader with demonstrated expertise in cost recovery, pricing, funding and financial sustainability models. The successful candidate will possess strong analytical capability, including financial modelling, costing methodologies and business case development, and the ability to provide strategic advice on complex financial and policy matters.



You will have a proven ability to build productive relationships and influence senior executives, government agencies and external stakeholders. You will also demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial concepts into practical business information for diverse audiences.

You will bring strong technical expertise and a sound understanding of the Australian Government Charging Framework, the PGPA Act and Resource Management Framework, financial management, budgeting and forecasting practices, and cost allocation and activity-based costing methodologies. Experience developing governance frameworks, policies and assurance processes is essential.

As a Cost Recovery Manager, you will demonstrate the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver outcomes through others. You will have experience building capability, driving change and fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture that supports organisational objectives.

Role Responsibilities and Duties

As a member of the Finance leadership team, the Cost Recovery Manager will provide:

- Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the agency's cost recovery strategy, frameworks and charging arrangements to support organisational priorities and regulatory outcomes.
- Provide authoritative strategic advice to the CFO, Executive Leadership Team and senior stakeholders on cost recovery policy, financial sustainability, risks and opportunities.
- Lead the design, implementation and review of activity-based costing, pricing and charging models in accordance with the Australian Government Charging Framework and related guidance.




- Oversee the development of Cost Recovery Implementation Statements (CRIS), charging assessments and cost allocation methodologies to support transparent, defensible and auditable outcomes.
- Lead complex financial modelling, analysis and evaluation activities to inform pricing decisions, policy proposals, business cases and cost recovery initiatives.
- Monitor cost recovery performance and provide high-quality reporting, insights and recommendations to support executive decision-making.
- Lead engagement and represent the agency in discussions with internal stakeholders, portfolio partners, central agencies and external entities on cost recovery matters.
- Establish and oversee governance, assurance and control frameworks that support effective cost recovery management and compliance obligations.
- Lead, develop and mentor staff, fostering a high-performing, collaborative and inclusive team culture.
- Build organisational capability and drive continuous improvement in cost recovery, financial management, modelling and reporting practices.
- Undertake other duties consistent with the classification and operational requirements of the agency.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

Essential

- Relevant tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Commerce, Economics, Finance or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience in Commonwealth Government financial management, cost recovery or regulatory charging activities.
- Experience leading complex financial projects and influencing senior stakeholders.

Highly Desirable

- Membership of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), CPA Australia or equivalent skilled accounting body.
- Experience preparing or managing Cost Recovery Implementation Statements (CRIS).
- Experience applying the Australian Government Charging Framework.
- Experience with TechnologyOne, Costing Models, Budget Management Systems or similar enterprise financial systems.
- Experience supporting regulatory agencies or administering government charging arrangements.

Applications close 11.30pm on Sunday, 27 September 2026

📌 Cost Recovery Manager - Finance (Canberra)
🏢 Australian Government
📍 Canberra