About the Department The Department of Education is responsible for national policies and programs that help Australians get quality education, from early childhood through school to higher education and research. The department works with states and territories, schools, education providers and the wider community to improve outcomes for all learners.

The Schools USI project is a national initiative to give every school student a Unique Student Identifier. The USI will help governments and the education sector understand student pathways and outcomes, and will support better planning, policy and decisions.

About the Role The department is looking for an experienced Finance Officer to join the Schools USI project. You will provide financial management support across budgeting, reporting, procurement, contract administration and financial operations, so the project can plan well and make sound decisions.

This 12-month contract starts in January 2027.

Key Duties

Financial Management and Administration

- Maintain accurate financial records, complete reconciliations and process financial transactions in line with relevant legislation and departmental policies
- Complete month-end and year-end financial tasks, including reconciliations, accruals and reporting, and identify and resolve discrepancies promptly

Budgeting, Reporting and Analysis

- Help prepare, monitor and report on budgets, forecasts and financial performance information, including analysing expenditure trends to support project decisions and financial planning
- Prepare financial reports, briefs and correspondence to support project governance, reporting and stakeholder engagement

Accounts Payable and Contract Management

- Process invoices and payments




- Support procurement and contract administration by monitoring financial commitments, expenditure and payments

Continuous Improvement

- Find and put in place ways to improve financial processes, controls and administrative practices, strengthening compliance and project delivery

Key Skills and Capabilities

- Demonstrated experience in financial administration, budgeting, reporting, reconciliations and procurement support
- Demonstrated experience working in an education and training portfolio
- Solid analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and resolve financial discrepancies
- Well-developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including preparing reports and giving financial advice
- High attention to detail and the ability to keep accurate financial records
- Proficiency in financial management systems and Microsoft Excel
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities and contribute to continuous improvement

How to Apply Click APPLY or contact Marisa Conlon, Senior Consultant, Talent Acquisition at [email protected] for further information on the role.

Please submit applications in Word format only by 10am, 30th October 2026.

FIRST PEOPLE Recruitment Solutions is a majority Aboriginal owned agency providing contingent contracts, fixed term contracts and permanent recruitment solutions to Government and Corporate Australia.

Our Head Office is based in Canberra with a national reach to all the states and territories, regional and remote areas of Australia.

FIRST PEOPLE Recruitment Solutions acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures; and to elders past, present and emerging.

📌 Finance Officer - (USI) Project (Canberra)
🏢 First People Recruitment Solutions
📍 Canberra