Affirmative measure employment

The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

If you are found suitable and offered a position, you will need to provide evidence of your eligibility for affirmative measure employment when the formal written offer is made.

For more information about affirmative measure employment, see Affirmative measure for recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: A guide for applicants | Australian Public Service Commission.

Who we are

Australia’s natural and cultural heritage is unique. Our land and seascapes are distinctive, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, and to some of the oldest living cultures on earth. These environments and cultures are an essential part of our national identity, and visitors travel from across the country and the world to experience them. The Director of National Parks (the Director) is responsible for six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 58 Australian Marine Parks and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Parks Australia is the federal park agency that supports the Director, and they are a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). We work to showcase these natural and cultural wonders to the world, demonstrating to all why these places are so special, and inspiring communities to become more invested in their care and future.

Kakadu National Park is a world-heritage listed site for its natural and cultural values, and one of three national parks, leased by their Aboriginal owners to the Director of National Parks, and jointly managed by Traditional Owners and Parks Australia. Parks Australia assists with ongoing management of the park’s natural and cultural heritage. In addition to ongoing management of the park’s natural and cultural heritage, this branch also manages strategic priorities for Parks Australia, managing a range of strategic planning and major capital projects across the three jointly managed parks.

The Business Management Unit is responsible for overseeing the financial, administrative, and strategic operations within the jointly managed park. As part of this team, you will provide high-quality financial and revenue management services to support the effective operation of Kakadu National Park. The position contributes to financial integrity, compliance, budgeting processes, revenue collection, accounts administration, and financial reporting.





For more information about us please visit our website.

The key duties of the position include:

Financial Leadership and Budget Management

- Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of operational and project budgets across Kakadu National Park in partnership with the Business Manager, ensuring financial resources are effectively managed, risks are identified and mitigated, and budget outcomes align with organisational priorities and strategic objectives.
- Provide high-level financial advice and recommendations to the Business Manager and Park Management Team.
- Analyse financial performance, identify trends, risks and opportunities, and develop mitigation strategies.
- Prepare complex financial reports, forecasts, budget submissions and management briefings.
- Monitor expenditure and revenue to ensure resources are managed efficiently and aligned with business objectives.
- Support annual budget planning, monthly forecasting and end-of-financial-year processes.

Revenue and Cash Management

- Oversee revenue collection processes associated with park pass operations and other revenue streams.
- Ensure compliance with departmental financial controls and cash management procedures.
- Review reconciliations, financial transactions and reporting to ensure accuracy and accountability.
- Identify opportunities to improve revenue management systems and business processes.

Procurement and Contract Management

- Lead procurement activities in accordance with Commonwealth Procurement Rules and departmental policies.
- Provide specialist advice on procurement processes, contract administration and purchasing activities.
- Develop, manage and review Deeds of Standing Offer, Period Contracts and other contractual arrangements.
- Evaluate procurement proposals and ensure value-for-money outcomes.
- Monitor supplier and contractor performance, compliance and risk management requirements.

Governance, Policy and Business Improvement

- Interpret, develop and review financial, procurement and administrative policies and procedures.
- Provide authoritative advice on legislative and policy requirements within the role's area of responsibility.
- Prepare complex correspondence, ministerial briefs, reports and business cases.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen governance, compliance and financial performance.




- Coordinate internal and external audit activities and implement recommendations.

Stakeholder Engagement and Joint Management

- Build and maintain productive relationships with Aboriginal Traditional Owners, staff, contractors, government agencies and key stakeholders.
- Support the joint management principles of Kakadu National Park through respectful engagement and collaboration.
- Facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experience and skills between Indigenous and non-Indigenous employees.
- Represent the business function in meetings, working groups and stakeholder forums.

Leadership and Workforce Capability

- Supervise, mentor and develop a small team of finance and administration employees.
- Allocate work, monitor performance and provide constructive feedback.
- Promote workforce capability through coaching, training and development opportunities.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing team culture.
- Contribute as an active member of the Park Management Team and broader leadership group.

Workplace Health and Safety

- Promote and model safe work practices in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and departmental requirements.
- Ensure staff operate within safe work procedures and risk management frameworks.
- Contribute to a positive safety culture across the park.

For detailed information about the job-specific capabilities for this role, please view the Job Description which can be downloaded from the relevant job posting on our website - the Apply Now link will take you there.

Eligibility

Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Workplace and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

Security Clearance - this position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Pre-employment checks - your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.

Desirable qualifications

- Tertiary qualifications in accounting, finance, commerce or a related discipline

Additional requirements

- hold and maintain a current manual driver’s licence and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle,
- note that relocation assistance is subject to negotiation,
- wear an official uniform supplied by the department, including during field operations (as applicable), in accordance with the department’s uniform policy

📌 Senior Finance Officer (Kakadu)
🏢 Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
📍 Kakadu