Finance Officers - APS 5 and APS 6

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is an independent Commonwealth statutory authority responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, radiocommunications, telecommunications and some online content.

This work underpins our vision for a connected, informed and entertained Australia.

About the role 

Ready to do more with your finance experience, take ownership, broaden your expertise and help shape better ways of working at the ACMA?

The APS 5 Finance Officer and APS 6 Senior Finance Officer contribute to the accountable management of public money through the delivery of financial operations at the ACMA. Both roles work under limited direction. The classifications differ in the complexity of work, the autonomy and judgement exercised, the depth of advice provided, and accountability for coordinating activities and outcomes.

At the APS 5 level, you will manage allocated operational work and exercise judgement within established policies and procedures, referring unresolved or non-standard matters for guidance.

At the APS 6 level, you will undertake more complex work with greater autonomy and coordination responsibilities, as outlined in the additional requirements below.

Supervisory responsibilities apply only where formally assigned.

If you enjoy getting to the bottom of a problem, making processes work better and seeing your work make a difference, this could be your next move!

In this role, you will:

• Deliver financial operations across accounts payable and receivable, and maintain official hospitality, gifts and benefits declarations and registers, in accordance with relevant policies, procedures, approved authorisations and delegated authorities. 
• Maintain complete and accurate financial records by processing and reconciling transactions, completing allocated month-end activities, checking supporting documentation and approvals, investigating discrepancies and applying relevant financial controls, including segregation of duties. 
• Manage banking and payment card administration by monitoring banking and card transactions, coordinating authorised banking access and account administration requests, maintaining cardholder records, monitoring acquittals and escalating exceptions or suspected misuse. 
• Support compliance, reporting and assurance activities by undertaking or coordinating allocated financial compliance reviews and transaction checks, documenting and analysing findings, identifying recurring issues, following up and monitoring corrective actions, preparing reports and recommendations for EL1 review, and supporting or coordinating allocated audit responses. 
• Provide clear, practical and technically sound advice to staff, suppliers and other stakeholders, guide colleagues in applying financial policies, procedures and controls consistently, resolve enquiries, and escalate complex, sensitive or potentially non-compliant matters where required. 
• Manage competing priorities and service standards by taking responsibility for allocated work, acknowledging and assessing operational requests within two business days, progressing matters within agreed service standards, and keeping stakeholders informed of outstanding requirements or delays. 
• Build productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, customers and service providers, tailoring communication to the audience and considering different viewpoints when contributing to decisions. 
• Maintain technical knowledge by researching, interpreting and applying relevant legislation, policies, procedures, systems and processes, seeking guidance where requirements are unclear, sharing practical knowledge and supporting cross-skilling within the team. 
• Improve processes and service delivery by identifying practical opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency and customer service, developing or contributing to procedure updates, and supporting the implementation of approved improvements. 
• Support team delivery and accountability by contributing to shared work planning, supporting colleagues, reviewing progress against agreed outcomes, and coordinating allocated activities or the work of others where assigned. 
• Demonstrate integrity and professionalism by modelling ethical behaviour consistent with the APS Code of Conduct, participating constructively in performance and development processes and contributing to a healthy and safe workplace. 
• Undertake other duties as required or agreed with your manager or supervisor. 

Due to the nature of the work, these roles will be offered only on a full-time basis in Canberra.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking motivated and experienced Finance Officers who bring a practical, service focused approach to financial operations and take pride in producing accurate, reliable work.  

Our ideal candidates will have: 

• Financial operations experience, including transaction processing, account reconciliation and financial record maintenance. 
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills, with the ability to check supporting documentation, identify inconsistencies, investigate discrepancies and follow issues through to resolution. 
• Sound judgement and a commitment to compliance, including the ability to interpret and apply financial policies, procedures and controls, work within delegated authorities, assess risks and recognise when matters require escalation. 
• Proficiency in financial systems and spreadsheets, with the ability to use these tools to analyse information and prepare reliable operational or compliance reports. 
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, including the ability to manage competing tasks under limited direction, respond constructively to pressure and changing priorities, meet deadlines and keep stakeholders informed. 
• The ability to undertake financial compliance activities, document findings clearly, follow up corrective actions and prepare accurate reports appropriate to the classification level. 
• Clear communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to explain financial processes in plain English, provide procedural advice and work constructively with colleagues, suppliers and service providers.
• Initiative and a continuous improvement mindset, with the ability to identify practical opportunities to improve accuracy, efficiency, controls and service delivery while continuing to build technical expertise. 
• A collaborative and accountable approach, including taking ownership of your work, supporting team objectives, welcoming feedback and sharing knowledge. 
• Integrity and professionalism, demonstrated through impartial advice and safe, ethical conduct. 

In addition to the above, the APS 6 Senior Finance Officer will also demonstrate the following experience:  

• Independence and accountability, undertaking complex financial operations with greater autonomy under limited direction, exercising judgement and accountability for outcomes. 
• Coordination and organisation skills, with the ability to set priorities and dependencies across shared work to deliver accurate and timely results. 
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, including interpreting relevant legislation, policies, delegations and controls, and providing detailed technical advice and evidence-based recommendations to the EL1 where risks or decisions exceed the role’s authority. 
• Communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work with stakeholders to resolve complex financial issues and be able to explain the requirements and rationale for recommended approaches. 
• Technical guidance and support, including providing guidance to colleagues on complex matters and recommend evidence-based improvements to financial processes and controls.

To be eligible for employment with ACMA, applicants must be Australian citizens.

Technical assistance:  For questions relating to the online lodgement of your application, please email HRassist@acma.gov.au before the closing date.