Senior Adviser

About us

The Department of Treasury and Finance provides economic, financial and resource management advice to help the Victorian Government deliver its policies. We strive for excellence in financial and economic management to improve the lives of all Victorians.

Budget & Finance Division

The Budget and Finance Division plays a key role in the delivery of the State Budget, and monitors and helps to manage financial and operational performance by Departments. We also provide advice on departmental and agency reviews and provide Budget advice to Cabinet and Cabinet sub-committees.

The Budget and Finance Division brings together people with financial management, policy advice and program oversight skills to provide timely and high-quality budget and spending advice. We work to deliver value for money and improved outcomes for Victorians.

Our working environment is dynamic and fast paced, reflecting our influence and proximity to government decision-making. Team members support each other and work flexibly, adapting to new challenges and priorities as they emerge. We learn and influence through our relationships with departments and other partners.

The Senior Adviser supports the Division and the Deputy Secretary, by:

• Working closely with the Deputy Secretary, to review and provide sound strategic advice on a range of briefing and presentation material, and coordinate information including to support Cabinet and committee briefing.
• Playing a key role in ensuring documents meet the requirements of the Ministers', Secretary's and Deputy Secretary's offices, providing strong attention to detail and prioritising documents for review.
• On behalf of the Deputy Secretary exercise influence, organisational insight and strong communication and relationship management skills to progress policy issues, briefing and matters requiring action.
• Participating in planning and implementing initiatives to improve the wellbeing and culture of the Division alongside the Leadership team.
• Developing and maintaining effective relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, including the Office of the Secretary and other divisions to manage workflows, provide context, communicate priorities and influence outcomes.
• Representing the Division and the Deputy Secretary professionally, respectfully and in line with DTF's values.

• Ability to operate independently with strong organisational skills, be self-motivated and possess a high degree of initiative and integrity in managing sensitive issues.
• Demonstrated commitment to developing high quality products, including attention to detail and excellent written communication skills.
• Proven ability to achieve consensus through effective negotiation of complex issues with a track record persuading and influencing staff at all levels across DTF.
• Demonstrated experience exercising sound judgement, providing cogent and credible advice and recommendations within tight timelines and decision-making within a complex environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including highly developed interpersonal skills and a proven track record managing complex relationships.
• Strong understanding of the work of the division and DTF, government process, and the complexities of the government operating environment.

• A relevant accounting, financial, economic or public policy qualification would be highly regarded.

About our culture

We aim to be a model employer providing an inclusive workplace that is understanding and respectful of differences such as gender, identity, race, disability or age. In addition, we are committed to supporting Aboriginal pathways between education and employment.

The Department strives to create an environment that supports a flexible and adaptive workforce. All requests for flexible working arrangements will be considered in line with operational requirements.

Further Information

If you are a VPS employee and identified as the preferred candidate during the recruitment process, you will need to obtain approval from your manager and Executive Director to take up this role as a secondment.

For more information about the position and key selection criteria, please refer to the position description. If you have specific questions regarding the role, please contact Chris Hotham via email Sophia Dong on or via

How to apply

To apply, select the `Apply Now' button and provide a copy of your resume and cover letter summarising your skills and relevant experience.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 23 November 2025. If you require a copy of this advertisement in an accessible format, please contact the Recruitment team.

Covid-19 Vaccination

DTF is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act). To support this DTF has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DTF employees be fully vaccinated.