Senior Strategic Business and Financial Adviser – Defence

Location: Russell Offices, Canberra ACT
Contract: Full-time, 1 October 2026 to 30 June 2027
Extension options: Two further 12-month extensions, potentially through to 30 June 2029
Security clearance: Current NV1 required
Reference: RFx30117

Pinaka Technology Solutions is seeking a highly experienced Strategic Business and Financial Adviser to support the Department of Defence’s Capability Development Division.

This senior advisory role will provide specialist financial management, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, governance and assurance services. You will work with considerable independence as a subject matter expert, helping senior stakeholders make informed decisions and manage divisional resources in accordance with Defence and Commonwealth financial frameworks.

Key responsibilities

• Establish and improve sound financial and budget management practices across the Division.
• Develop and maintain financial controls supporting the effective management of financial obligations.
• Prepare and manage operating budgets, forecasts and financial data.
• Deliver division-wide financial updates and budget reviews at least quarterly.
• Prepare management reports, financial dashboards, Senate Estimates briefs and Annual Report contributions.
• Provide strategic financial advice on funding options, costings, assurance and resource management.
• Monitor expenditure, support financial approvals and process invoice payments in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Coordinate financial governance activities and promote compliance with Defence and Commonwealth frameworks.
• Respond to audit requests and support financial assurance activities.
• Develop and document financial processes, procedures and standard operating procedures.
• Manage senior stakeholder relationships and provide authoritative advice on complex financial matters.
• Prepare monthly status reports covering completed activities, progress, risks and issues.
• Support knowledge transfer, process documentation, transition and handover activities.

Required qualifications and experience

• Approximately 20 years’ demonstrated experience delivering comparable financial management and advisory services within Defence or another Commonwealth entity.
• A bachelor’s degree in finance, commerce, business or a related discipline.
• A master’s degree in finance, commerce, business or a related discipline.
• Fellow CPA membership or equivalent senior professional accounting accreditation.
• More than four years’ experience using IBRS.
• At least one year of experience working with enterprise resource planning systems.
• Sound understanding of CapabilityOne.
• Strong experience in government budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, governance, compliance and audit support.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic advice and operate independently as a senior financial subject matter expert.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, written communication and briefing skills.
• Current Australian Government NV1 security clearance, which must be maintained throughout the engagement.

Working arrangements

The position is based at Russell Offices in Canberra and requires attendance at Defence premises as needed. Flexible or work-from-home arrangements may be considered, subject to operational requirements, security restrictions and Defence approval.

The successful contractor will work full-time, eight hours per day and five days per week. Overtime is not permitted.

Systems environment

The role may require the use of:

• Defence enterprise resource planning and financial systems
• IBRS
• CapabilityOne
• Objective
• Microsoft 365
• Other Defence-approved corporate systems

How to apply

Please submit:

• Your current CV.
• A brief statement addressing your Defence or Commonwealth financial management experience.
• Details of your tertiary qualifications and professional accounting accreditation.
• Confirmation of your current NV1 security clearance.
• Your availability from 1 October 2026.
• Your expected daily rate.

Applications will be assessed immediately due to the short submission timeframe. This opportunity is subject to contract award and Defence approval of the proposed candidate.

Why choose Pinaka

We know the government ICT market and we keep things straightforward. We take time to understand your background, your goals and the type of role that suits you. We believe transparency is about more than rates and our margins are fair and always disclosed.

What you can expect from us...

1. Fair, disclosed margins
2. Clear communication at every stage
3. Honest advice on fit and competitiveness
4. Visibility on submissions and process status
5. A professional and respectful experience

How you are paid...

You choose what's best for you.

1. PAYG through Pinaka
2. Third-party payroll
3. Self-employed (own ABN)

With a single, transparent and fixed margin, we ensure compliance to all state and payroll laws. So that is one less thing for you to worry about.

BYO CONTRACT

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Port in your contract to Pinaka for a simpler and more transparent experience. We also have some exciting limited time offers on top of the incredible margins we offer.

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