The APVMA is Australia's national regulator of agricultural and veterinary chemicals. Its work protects the health and safety of people, animals and the environment, and supports primary industries, biosecurity and international trade.

A Board-governed Commonwealth entity in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry portfolio, the APVMA has its head office in Armidale NSW, and ~100 staff in Canberra ACT.

Take ownership of the full CFO remit, with the opportunity to shape the financial future of a national regulator. With a new cost recovery framework in place and a finance modernisation program ahead, there's real scope to influence how the APVMA operates for years to come.

For a Deputy CFO or Finance Director in a larger agency, this is a step up in scope rather than classification. You'll work directly with the CEO and Board, supported by a CPA-qualified Chief Operating Officer who is actively backing the finance modernisation program. You'll also benefit from a thorough handover ahead of the current CFO's retirement in 2027.

- Shape long-term financial sustainability, developing the strategy for an agency that recovers almost 100% of its costs from industry
- Lead finance modernisation, replacing manual processes with automation and making better use of data
- Gain direct Board exposure, preparing and presenting financial advice - valuable experience for those with SES ambitions
- Influence major investment decisions, contributing to a significant IT investment proposal involving Finance, DAFF and the DTA
- Lead an experienced team, giving you the capacity to focus on strategy, leadership and change
- Work for a bigger purpose, supporting a national regulator that protects people, animals and the environment.

Reporting to the COO, you'll lead the APVMA's Finance and Procurement section, managing a team of eight across Armidale and Canberra.

Working closely with the executive leadership team, your responsibilities will include:

- Develop and deliver the agency's financial strategy, including long-term sustainability, funding arrangements and resource planning
- Provide strategic financial advice to the CEO, Board and senior executives, supporting key financial and investment decisions
- Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and cost recovery arrangements, including CRIS implementation and pricing reviews
- Lead financial and procurement governance, ensuring sound risk management and compliance with Commonwealth frameworks and legislation
- Modernise finance systems and processes, including TechnologyOne, with a focus on automation, data and stronger financial controls
- Build financial capability across the agency, helping leaders make informed financial and investment decisions




- Lead and develop your team, while building strong relationships with central agencies, auditors and other key stakeholders.

The key duties of the position include:

Key responsibilities include:

- Working with the CEO, COO and other senior executives to develop and implement the APVMA's strategic financial direction, including long-term financial sustainability strategies, resource management approaches and funding arrangements that support organisational priorities.
- Providing high-quality strategic and financial advice to the APVMA Board, CEO, and senior executive on financial management, business sustainability, and investment decisions.
- Leading enterprise-wide financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting activities, ensuring the provision of accurate, timely and insightful information to support decision-making and accountability.
- Leading the development, implementation, review and ongoing management of the APVMA’s cost recovery arrangements and Cost Recovery Implementation Statement processes, including pricing reviews, financial modelling, stakeholder engagement and compliance with the Australian Government Charging Framework.
- Maintaining effective financial governance frameworks and ensuring compliance with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act), Australian Accounting Standards, the Commonwealth Resource Management Framework and other government policies and legislative requirements.
- Providing strategic leadership of procurement governance and assurance arrangements to ensure value for money, effective risk management and compliance with Commonwealth procurement requirements.
- Driving continuous improvement of financial, procurement and business systems, processes and controls to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, innovation and service delivery.
- Building financial literacy and stewardship across the organisation by supporting leaders to make informed financial and investment decisions and effectively manage resources.
- Developing and maintaining productive relationships with key stakeholders, including Board members, central agencies, auditors, and external service providers to support organisational objectives.
- Leading and developing a high-performing team that fosters collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement,



inclusion and professional excellence, while modelling APS Values and behaviours.
- Contribute as an effective member of the Business Enabling Services Branch leadership team.

Eligibility

To be a strong contender for the role, you will have:

Essential:

1. Demonstrated experience leading the financial strategy and long-term sustainability of a complex organisation, including strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation, investment prioritisation, financial stewardship, compliance, assurance, and enterprise-wide decision-making.
2. Demonstrated experience leading finance functions within Australian Government agencies, with detailed knowledge of and experience applying the Commonwealth Resource Management Framework, including the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act), Commonwealth Procurement Framework, Australian Government budgeting requirements, and financial reporting obligations.
3. Demonstrated ability to influence senior decision-making through the provision of trusted strategic advice to Boards, Chief Executives and senior executives, exercising sound judgement, contextual awareness and emotional intelligence, and building productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
4. Demonstrated strategic financial acumen, including experience evaluating investments, funding proposals, and organisational initiatives to support sustainable service delivery and achieve strategic outcomes.
5. Highly developed written communication skills, including demonstrated experience preparing clear, concise and influential Board papers, executive briefs, ministerial correspondence, business cases, financial reports and strategic advice for senior audiences.
6. Proven ability to build organisational capability and lead high-performing teams by fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, inclusion and psychological safety, while demonstrating adaptability, developing leadership capability and empowering others to achieve high-quality outcomes.

Desirable:

- Demonstrated experience managing cost recovery arrangements and leading Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS) development, including financial modelling, charging frameworks, stakeholder engagement, government approval processes, and ongoing compliance with Australian Government requirements.
- Relevant tertiary qualification in accounting, finance, economics, commerce or a related discipline.
- Professional accounting qualifications (CA, CPA or equivalent).

Notes

- Ongoing, full time Executive Level 2 position
- Based in Armidale NSW or Canberra ACT
- Flexible working arrangements by agreement are welcomed.

📌 Chief Financial Officer (Canberra)
🏢 Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
📍 Canberra