Team Leader- Finance

Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time

Salary: $113,022 - $136,747

Grade: VPS 5

Occupation: Accounting, finance and procurement

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/DE/VATL/1884682

Lead and develop a high-performing finance team while supporting the Chief Financial Officer with financial compliance, strategic insights, and expert advice. This role offers the opportunity to drive operational excellence and make a meaningful impact across the Academy.

This is a fixed term position from 1 January to 30 June 2026.

An exciting opportunity to join our team and play an important role in the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership (Academy).

At the Academy, we are passionate about meaningful and exciting work that has an impact on education and student outcomes. Our shared purpose is to create and offer evidence-informed professional learning programs, events and initiatives designed to take Victoria's highly skilled teachers and school leaders from great to exceptional and advance the quality and status of teaching and school leadership.

We care about the quality of our work, demonstrate collective responsibility for continuous improvement and support each other to do the very best we can every day to achieve our goals.

The Academy is a learning organisation that provides opportunities for employees to grow. We have a positive culture that we are building together, where people feel supported, valued and heard.

About the Division

As a Division of the Academy, the Business Services Division leads the provision of quality Academy corporate support services and functions (including procurement, project management and program governance, human resources and culture architecture, finance, facilities management and, risk, audit and reporting) which enable successful operation of the Academy. In addition, the Business Services Division is responsible for the oversight, delivery and reporting of the compliance obligations required of a statutory authority.

The Finance team leads the Academy's financial management, including forecasting and budgeting, cost modelling, invoicing, accounts payable and receivable, and reporting.

About the Role

As Team Leader, this role is responsible for managing staff selection, professional development and performance management of the finance officer team within the unit. Supporting the Academy's Chief Financial Officer, this role will assist with the acquittal of financial compliance, transactional exchanges, the provision of strategic insights and authoritative advice on financial matters on behalf of the Academy.

Through the facilitation of cross communication, information sharing and coordination of activities between team members, a focus of the role will be leading and coordinating the team to scope, plan and deliver financial requirements of the Academy.

To be successful in this role you will:

• Lead and develop a high performing team dedicated to deliver an exceptional client experience.
• Provide ongoing development and training to your team ensuring they are across any updates to key policies or procedures.
• Provide expert advice on finance matters to a diverse VPS and Teaching Service workforce.
• Effectively prioritise and manage all finance enquiries, providing expert feedback and guidance to the team as needed.
• Build team cohesion with your team and others within the Academy and its partners within the department for managing complex escalations.
• Bring your expertise in leading a high performing team and provide insight to opportunities for improvement in processes and system enhancements.

Capabilities

This role will demonstrate values-based leadership, innovative thinking, effective communication, and adept problem-solving abilities. You must possess the ability to navigate complex issues and make decisions that impact staff and stakeholders both within and beyond your immediate work area. Your capacity for collaboration, driving continuous improvement, and cultivating genuine relationships will be pivotal for your success. You will be able to manage people effectively, foster team development, and deliver tangible outcomes.

Desirabl e Qualifications and Experience

• A tertiary qualification in finance or accounting.
• Experience working in a dynamic, high performing finance function in a large complex organisation.
• Capacity to make data-informed decisions.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of finance policies, procedures, and practices.
• Proven ability to effectively engage and build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels through effective communication and exceptional consulting abilities.
• Ability to interpret and convey specialist finance concepts and policies to diverse stakeholders.
• Effective problem-solving capability to resolve or escalate operational service queries.

Further Information

Please respond by submitting a cover letter, supported by a maximum 2-page response to the key selection criteria and a recent CV/Resume.

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Ian Hesse- Chief Financial Officer via or

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close at midnight 25 September 2025.

Applications close Thursday 25 September 2025 at 11.59pm

Posted

11 September 2025