- Lead the financial management of Kakadu National Park, influencing strategic decisions and operational outcomes.
- Drive finance, procurement and governance functions, while leading a small, high-performing team.
- Support Kakadu’s unique joint management model, working with Traditional Owners and diverse stakeholders to deliver meaningful outcomes.

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 leadership and specialist expertise to ensure the effective financial management, governance, procurement and business operations of Kakadu National Park, supporting sound decision-making, strong partnerships with Traditional Owners and the successful delivery of park management objectives.

For more information about us please visit our website.

The job
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 protected 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.

What you’ll gain from the experience
This role offers a unique opportunity to strengthen your leadership, financial management and procurement expertise while contributing to the success of one of Australia's most iconic national parks. You will gain valuable experience working in a complex joint management environment, partnering with Aboriginal Traditional Owners and diverse stakeholders to deliver meaningful outcomes.

What we are looking for
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:
Knowledge and experience

- Demonstrated experience in financial management, budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting within a complex operational environment.




- Sound knowledge of Commonwealth financial legislation, policies and frameworks, including resource management, governance and accountability requirements.
- Experience leading procurement and contract management activities in accordance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) and relevant policy requirements.
- Proven ability to monitor financial performance, manage risks and develop strategies to improve business outcomes.
- Experience preparing high-quality briefs, reports, business cases and advice for senior executives and decision-makers.
- Understanding of audit, compliance and governance frameworks, with experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
- Experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, contractors and community representatives.
- An understanding of, or ability to quickly develop an understanding of, the principles of joint management and engagement with Aboriginal Traditional Owners.

Skills and capabilities

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and provide strategic advice.
- Excellent financial planning, budgeting and forecasting capability, with a strong focus on accuracy and accountability.
- Highly developed written communication skills, including the ability to prepare complex correspondence, reports and executive briefings.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to build trust and influence outcomes.
- Demonstrated leadership capability, including the ability to supervise, mentor and develop staff in a collaborative team environment.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and deliver outcomes in a dynamic operational setting.
- Sound judgement and decision-making skills, with a demonstrated commitment to integrity, governance and compliance.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Demonstrated commitment to workplace health and safety and the promotion of safe work practices.

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

Eligibility and other requirements
Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment 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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment
You may use AI tools to support your participation in this recruitment process, unless advised otherwise. If you use AI, you must ensure your use is transparent, authentic and truthful, and that all information reflects your own skills and experience.

The department may use AI in a limited, transparent and responsible way to support parts of this recruitment process. AI does not make decisions - all assessments and selection outcomes are made by people.

For more information, see:

- - Artificial Intelligence Transparency Statement
- AI in recruitment | Australian Public Service Commission

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