Lead the external and capital budget processes for a Commonwealth agency, from NPP costings through to the PBS and PAES.

Our client is a highly respected Commonwealth agency whose work tackles real-world challenges and delivers lasting advantages for the Australian community, economy and environment. Its Finance team provides the advice and insight that helps the organisation direct its resources to where they have the greatest impact.

The Opportunity

This is a labour hire contract until August 2027, with the possibility of extension. You’ll lead the organisation’s external and capital budget processes within the Commonwealth Budget cycle, and be a trusted source of budget advice for business units and senior management.
Own the external Budget cycle end to end, from NPP costings through to the PBS and PAES.
Work on high-profile matters, including Senate Estimates briefs and Ministerial submissions.
Lead improvements to external budget tools, systems and operating procedures.
Build your profile by training and developing staff across the finance function.

The Role

Your key duties will include:
Advising business units on Recent Policy Proposal (NPP) costings and justifications
Leading the external and capital budget processes, and maintaining external budgets in CBMS
Preparing Budget publications,



including the PBS and PAES, and supporting internal capital planning
Managing Actuals reporting in CBMS and coordinated responses to Estimates Memoranda
Advising on the Budget Process Operational Rules, the Resource Management Framework and Senate Estimates briefs
Refreshing external budget procedures and training staff across the finance team

The Ideal Person

You’re a government accountant who knows the Commonwealth Budget cycle inside out, from NPP costings to Budget papers. You’re sharp with numbers, calm under deadline pressure and confident giving explicit, evidence-based advice to senior stakeholders.

You’ll bring:
A degree in accounting, commerce or business, plus CA/CPA (completed or underway) or equivalent experience
External budgeting experience and a solid grasp of the Australian Government financial framework
Strong analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder skills
Excellent written and verbal communication
CBMS and Microsoft Office proficiency

Due to the nature of work, candidate must be Australian Citizens to be considered.

Salary
$75/hr – $95/hr + Super
Contract until August 2027, with the possibility of extension
Canberra-based

📌 /external Budgets Officer Canberra (Australia)
🏢 HorizonOne Recruitment
📍 Australia