Financial Controller

• Lead the finance function of Australia's defence think tank

• Play a key management role supporting organisational excellence and governance

About ASPI

ASPI is seeking an experienced finance leader to guide our financial operations, strengthen governance and support the organisation’s long-term financial sustainability.

The role offers an opportunity to lead the financial management of a prominent Australian think tank, working closely with senior leadership to ensure sound financial management, strong governance and the effective use of resources to support ASPI’s research and operations.

About the Role

Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and senior leadership team, you will lead ASPI’s finance function, combining strategic financial advice with practical oversight of day-to-day operations.

You will help research and program leaders understand their financial performance, assess funding opportunities and manage project budgets. You will also oversee financial reporting, audit and compliance, providing clear advice to support executive and governing body decisions.

Duty Statement

The successful candidate will demonstrate their ability to:

Financial Operations

- Oversee all ASPI bank accounts and act as an authorised account signatory.

- Manage ASPI cash flow, including AUD/USD foreign exchange management and term deposit placements.

- Oversee Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions.

- Oversee the preparation of fortnightly Canberra payroll.

- Oversee ASPI tax obligations, including Payroll Tax, PAYG, BAS, and FBT.

- Perform monthly reconciliations of Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss accounts.

- Maintain and oversee the ASPI asset register, including stocktakes and depreciation calculations.

- Oversee management and reconciliation of all ASPI corporate credit cards.

- Maintain and update ASPI office lease schedules.

Financial Management

- Prepare monthly consolidated financial and budgetary reports to the COO.

- Prepare the ASPI annual budget, with the support of the finance team.

- Lead quarterly forecasting and business review processes with the Senior Leadership Team.

- Support the COO in managing financial relationships with external stakeholders including ANAO, internal auditors, Council, and ARC.





- Oversee the financial viability and profitability of all externally funded contracts, with support from the finance team.

- Act as the primary financial point of contact for external stakeholders in relation to externally funded contracts.

- Conduct and coordinate required audits, financial acquittals, and reporting obligations for externally funded agreements, with support from the finance team.

Governance

- Prepare ASPI Annual Financial Statements in accordance with AASB, PGPA Act, and Corporations Act requirements.

- Act as the primary contact for ANAO annual external audit, financial statement quality assurance, and internal audit processes.

- Prepare quarterly financial reports for Council and ARC.

- Provide secretariat support for ARC meetings, including agenda preparation and coordination of outcomes.

- Lodge monthly actuals, annual actuals, and budget profiles on CBMS and liaise with the Department of Finance AAU as required.

- Oversee and maintain ASPI internal finance policies in collaboration with the finance team.

- In conjunction with the COO, ensure ASPI’s obligations under the Foreign Influence and Transparency Scheme (FITS) are met.

About You

You are a capable and approachable finance leader who can connect financial detail with broader organisational priorities. You are comfortable providing strategic advice while remaining close enough to the work to ensure financial operations run accurately and efficiently.

You will bring:

- CA or CPA qualifications, or an equivalent recognised professional accounting qualification.

- Demonstrated experience in a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or comparable senior finance role.

- Strong financial management, budgeting, reporting and analytical skills.

- Experience managing external audits and preparing financial statements under Australian Accounting Standards.

- A sound understanding of Australian taxation and statutory obligations.





- Experience with project-based funding, grants or externally funded contracts.

- The ability to explain financial information clearly to colleagues from non-financial backgrounds.

- A collaborative leadership style, sound judgement and a high level of integrity.

- The ability to manage competing deadlines in a small, busy organisation.

Experience in a not-for-profit, research, public policy or government-related environment would be highly regarded, as would familiarity with the PGPA framework, Commonwealth reporting requirements and MYOB AccountRight.

You do not need to be a defence or geopolitical specialist. However, knowledge of—or a genuine interest in—defence, national security, international affairs or geopolitics will help you connect with ASPI’s purpose and the work of our researchers.

Why Join ASPI

You will work alongside colleagues with expertise across defence, security, technology and international affairs. As the finance lead, you will have the opportunity to shape financial practices, work closely with senior decision-makers and make a direct contribution to the sustainability of ASPI’s research and public policy work.

Conditions

The role is based in Barton, ACT. Due to the nature of the role, regular in office attendance is required, although flexible working arrangements may be negotiated. You must have full working rights in Australia.

Remuneration will be commensurate with the responsibilities of the role and the successful candidate's skills and experience.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted to [email protected] by 16/11/2026 and must include:

• a current resume; and

• a cover letter outlining your interest in the position, relevant experience and suitability.

Applications should be submitted in PDF format and titled:

• LastName_FirstName_CoverLetter

• LastName_FirstName_CV

Early applications are encouraged, as ASPI reserves the right to close the vacancy should a

suitable candidate be identified prior to the closing date.

ASPI promotes a workplace that actively seeks to include, welcome and value the unique

contributions of all people. We strongly encourage applications from women, Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

📌 Financial Controller (Barton)
🏢 Australian Strategic Policy Institute
📍 Barton