Chief Finance Officer

Make a real impact. Shape South Australia's housing future.

At the heart of our department is a clear and urgent mission: delivering homes and housing options for South Australians. In the face of a national housing shortfall, we're not sitting back - we are stepping up.

We're purposefully driving forward and fast-tracking the development of diverse and sustainable housing solutions. From policy to housing infrastructure to urban planning, our work is focused on creating vibrant, liveable communities that offer more than just a roof - they offer stability, security and opportunity.

This is meaningful work. It's complex, fast paced, and deeply rewarding. You'll be part of a team that's influencing real change - solving critical challenges, shaping policy and delivering outcomes that matter.

Now's the time to get involved. If you are ready to use your skills to drive social impact, be part of an ambitious and values-driven team, and help shape the future of housing in our state, we want to hear from you.

The Role:

The position of Chief Finance Officer (CFO) is accountable to the Chief Operating Officer.The role will drive operational excellence by leading high-performing finance and procurement teams with strategic oversight, fostering accountability, and aligning performance with organisational goals to deliver value, compliance, and sustainable growth.

You will hold the following responsibilities:

• Drive the development and execution of financial strategies that support departmental priorities and government-wide policy objectives, ensuring innovative and compliant financial management.
• Oversee the preparation and delivery of accurate, transparent, and timely financial reports to external stakeholders, reinforcing public trust and regulatory compliance.
• Utilise performance data and financial analytics to align departmental financial planning with broader government investment and policy goals.
• Provide strategic financial advice, tools, and forecasting models that inform executive decision-making and shape the department’s long-term direction.
• Ensure efficient allocation and utilisation of public funds through expert analysis, forecasting, and risk management, promoting accountability and value for money.
• Champion robust financial controls, audit readiness, and compliance frameworks that uphold integrity and transparency in public sector investment.
• Extensive liaison is conducted, and expert advice and guidance delivered, across the Department, in order to identify and manage a range of both day-to-day, and more complex and critical, financial, budget, and reporting matters that impact the Department’s financial management outcomes.

About you:

To be successful in this position, you must be able to demonstrate experience across the following key capabilities:

• Demonstrates expert command of taxation legislation, accounting systems, and risk management principles, ensuring robust financial governance and compliance.
• Possesses deep understanding of government budgetary frameworks, including Audit and Treasury protocols, bilateral negotiations, and forward estimates, enabling strategic fiscal planning and execution.
• Brings extensive experience in public sector risk management, audit, and compliance, fostering a culture of accountability and operational integrity.
• Applies advanced financial management techniques and best practice methodologies to drive departmental performance and optimise resource utilization.

Desirable Qualification:

Tertiary qualifications in Accounting or Financial Management; and Membership of a professional accounting body (i.e. ACA/CPA).

Special Conditions:

• Successful applicants are required to obtain a satisfactory Department of Human Services Criminal History Check or National Police Check prior to employment. A renewal will be required every 3years.
• Successful applicants are required to obtain an Australian Government Security Vetting Agency Negative Vetting Level 1 Security Clearance following employment.
• May be required to work out of normal hours from time to time.
• The position is offered for a 3-year term contract.