Senior Project Officer, Capital Programs Finance

Senior Project Officer, Capital Programs Finance

Are you ready to take your finance expertise to the next level within the education sector? Do you have experience with grant funding, budgeting, or school finance that's waiting to be fully utilised?

We invite you to join the Victorian Catholic Education Authority as a Senior Project Officer, Capital Programs Finance.

What you will do

The Finance and Funding portfolio is responsible for the distribution and stewardship of grant funding to Catholic schools across Victoria in addition to managing VCEA's internal finances and providing strategic guidance to support effective decision-making.

Within the Finance and Funding portfolio sits the Services and Capital Funding team which manages and administers various capital grant programs funded by the Australian and Victorian governments for the Catholic Sector across Victoria.

VCEA was approved as the Block Grant Authority (BGA) in January 2025. The BGA is responsible for assessing and allocating Capital Funding from the Australian and Victorian governments to the schools in the Catholic Sector in Victoria.

The Senior Project Officer, Capital Programs Finance plays a crucial role in evaluating applications, particularly regarding financial need assessments and capacity to contribute, as well as monitoring the financials of funded projects, overseeing the program's complete cycle.

What you will bring

The Senior Project Officer, School Capital Finance holds an important role in the oversight of the capital funding program lifecycle, with key responsibilities spanning program finance, compliance, and stakeholder engagement.

You will bring strong financial and analytical expertise, ideally developed within grants, capital projects, or the education sector. A central focus of your role will be conducting Financial Needs Assessments to evaluate a school's capacity to contribute to capital works—both at application and throughout project delivery under BGA-administered programs.

You'll ensure timely and accurate documentation is submitted by schools and governing authorities, while working closely with senior leadership to refine financial processes and program budgeting. Your attention to detail will be essential as you review and approve batch payments and other BGA-related financial transactions.

In partnership with the Central Finance team, you'll support budget development and actively monitor cost centres tied to BGA programs, using your knowledge of financial systems to deliver high-quality reporting and support the effective delivery of capital funding.

You will lead compliance reporting and financial operations for capital funding programs, preparing acquittal and audit reports and managing processes that ensure transparency and accountability. Your strong administrative and communication skills will support the preparation of briefings, reports, and updates, as well as monitoring the financial status of projects funded through State and Federal programs.

Stellar interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills will position you for success. You will bring a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with diverse stakeholders; using an empathy led approach to deliver and provide support external agencies and sector bodies and prepare formal reports to a high standard.

Your ability to interpret funding requirements, communicate compliance obligations, and assess project documentation will ensure successful program outcomes.

Qualifications and Experience

Relevant tertiary qualifications in Finance, Accounting Commerce or a related discipline.

A minimum of three years' experience in a finance role preferably in the education or construction sector. An understanding of administrative processes associated with government funding will be highly regarded.

Demonstrated experience in accounts receivable and payable.

Ability to function in time-pressured situations whilst contributing effectively to a team environment whilst seamlessly shifting to working autonomously.

Must hold and maintain a valid Victorian driver's license, have access to a reliable car and be willing to travel to schools in metropolitan and regional Victoria.

Why work with VCEA

As the peak body for Catholic education in Victoria, VCEA provides employees an opportunity to help shape the future of Catholic education across the state.

VCEA is the voice of Catholic education in State and national matters; we receive and distribute funding from state and federal governments for Catholic schools. Providing strategic leadership and planning to ensure proper governance in Catholic education statewide.

VCEA offers a purpose built new central city office location, 5 minutes walk to Parliament Station. Competitive remuneration (reflecting your experience), with generous benefits, and opportunities for career development.

These benefits combined with our commitment to work life balance make VCEA an employer of choice.

A note on inclusion and how to apply

If you are ready to make a difference in Victorian Catholic education, please submit your resume and a cover letter, both your resume and cover letter should clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience align with VCEA role requirements and make you the standout applicant for this role.

For the position description, please navigate to our website: vcea.catholic.edu.au/about-us/work-with-us/#

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible for anyone who wishes to apply.

If you would like further information about this role, or require any adaptations or additional support for your individual circumstances so you can perform at your best during the application or recruitment process please reach out to: [emailprotected]

We will be reviewing applications as they are received. Should we find a suitable applicant we will close the role early; therefore please don't delay your application.

Due to the volume of applications received; only successful applicants will be contacted.

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a pre-employment National Police History check, obtain a Working with Children Check and provide evidence of Australian Citizenship or Visa.

Advertising due to end: 24th August 2025.

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