Finance Officer – Australia Awards Global Support Unit

Finance Officer – Australia Awards Global Support Unit

Description

- Location: Canberra, Australia

- Employment type & Contract term: Full-time, fixed-term contract for an initial period of 12 months to provide maternity leave coverage.

- Work rights: This role is open to candidates who are currently based in Australia and hold valid Australian work rights. Visa sponsorship, relocation support, and relocation-related allowances are not available for this position.

The Prospect

The Finance Officer plays a key role in supporting the effective financial management and administration of the Australia Awards Global Support Unit (GSU), contributing to the successful delivery of program operations across the Australia Awards portfolio.

Working closely with GSU teams, DFAT stakeholders, service providers and implementing partners, you will support financial administration activities, grants disbursements, budget monitoring and financial reporting requirements. The role is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and documentation, supporting compliance obligations, and contributing to solid financial governance across the program.

You will assist with budget management, financial reporting, audit processes and the implementation of financial procedures that promote accountability, transparency and value for money. The role also supports the efficient coordination of financial and administrative processes to ensure program resources are managed effectively and in accordance with established policies and procedures.

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organised finance qualified who enjoys working in a collaborative,



fast-paced environment and is committed to supporting high-quality program delivery through strong financial management practices.

About the Program

The Australia Awards Global Support Unit (GSU) is an initiative designed to enhance the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) international scholarship program delivery by providing operational, technical and analytical services to DFAT. Palladium delivers the GSU to:

- Operational Support: High quality and efficient administrative and standard business support services provided to DFAT.
- Technical Support: High quality, coherent, consistent and fit for purpose technical support services that also promote gender equality, disability and social inclusion outcomes throughout DFAT’s international scholarship programs network.

Within the GSU, strong compliance, due diligence and quality assurance is critical to ensuring that scholarships and fellowship programs are delivered consistently with DFAT policies, contractual obligations and governance requirements. This includes assurance over delivery partners, institutions and grant recipients that support Australia Awards outcomes.

Working with children

Is this position likely tocome into contact withchildren?No

Responsibilities

What you will do





- Support the effective financial management of the Australia Awards Global Support Unit (GSU), ensuring financial processes are delivered accurately, efficiently and in line with DFAT and Palladium requirements.
- Manage financial administration activities, including invoice processing, reconciliations, cost coding, grants disbursement and payment verification.
- Contribute to budget monitoring, financial reporting and audit activities, supporting strong financial governance and compliance across the program.
- Provide responsive financial help desk support to DFAT, implementing partners and program stakeholders, resolving issues and maintaining accurate records.
- Work collaboratively with finance, HR, business services and IT teams to support the effective delivery of integrated support services.
- Support the continuous improvement of financial systems, processes and procedures, promoting accountability, transparency and value for money.
- Undertake other duties as reasonably requested by the Finance Manager.

The work in practice

This role is likely to suit someone who is comfortable with:

- Managing multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including DFAT, service providers, implementing partners and internal teams.
- Interpreting and applying financial policies, procedures and compliance requirements.
- Providing responsive, customer-focused support in a rapid-paced program environment.
- Identifying opportunities to improve processes, solve problems and enhance service delivery.

The role combines financial administration,

📌 Finance Officer – Australia Awards Global Support Unit (Canberra)
🏢 Palladium
📍 Canberra