Finance and Commercial Officer – LE4 – Defence – London

The successful applicant will be engaged as a locally engaged staff member by the Australian High Commission, London. The Fair Work Act 2009 is not intended to apply to the employment of Locally Engaged Staff (LES) at Australia’s overseas diplomatic and consular missions. The successful candidate’s terms and conditions of employment will be governed by the laws of the United Kingdom. Please be advised that the Australian High Commission, London does not assist with relocation. Any costs associated with taking up the position would be the responsibility of the successful candidate.

About the Department of Defence

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is constituted under the Defence Act 1903, its mission is to defend Australia and its national interests. In fulfilling this mission, Defence serves the Government of the day and is accountable to the Commonwealth Parliament which represents the Australian people to efficiently and effectively carry out the Government's defence policy. Australia's Defence policy is founded on the principle of self-reliance in the direct Defence of Australia, but with a capacity to do more where there are shared interests with partners and allies.

About Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG)

The primary role of the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) is to equip and sustain the Australian Defence Force’s materiel capabilities to meet Australia's defence and national security needs. The CASG London branch (CASG-L) manages the delivery of equipment, training, services and repairs, and provides Defence clients with procurement support and management, and specialist advice and assistance on procurement.

About the Position

The Finance and Commercial Officer is located within the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) and provides integrated financial, administrative and commercial support across industry-facing activities and internal procurement functions. Reporting to the relevant team lead, the role operates under limited direction and contributes to the effective delivery of financial management, procurement and logistics outcomes in accordance with Defence policies, procedures and governance frameworks. The position works collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external industry partners to ensure accuracy, compliance and timeliness across financial and commercial processes.

Key responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Support the delivery of financial management activities for CASG London, including maintaining commitment registers, managing acquittals, and contributing to budget tracking and forecasting processes to ensure the integrity of local financial records.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial data and reporting, supporting CASG London in managing its financial position and meeting Defence financial compliance and governance requirements.
• Work closely with the Defence Administration team in London to coordinate financial processes, ensuring alignment with broader Defence in-country requirements, policies and reporting obligations.
• Support financial administration activities, including processing transactions and responding to financial queries from internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Monitor and action procurement, finance and workflow activities within ERP systems, supporting visibility, traceability and compliance of procurement activities.
• Coordinate invoice processing and supplier payments, ensuring accuracy of financial coding and timely reconciliation of accounts.
• Provide administrative and coordination support to procurement and freight activities, including goods receipting, shipment tracking and liaison with service providers.
• Maintain procurement, financial and contract records to support audit, compliance and reporting requirements across CASG London operations.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement of financial and procurement processes, systems and guidance materials within CASG London.

Qualifications/Experience

• Demonstrated experience in finance, procurement, commercial or administrative roles within a government, defence or regulated environment.
• Sound understanding of financial management processes, including budgeting, forecasting and expenditure tracking.
• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g. SAP) or equivalent financial/procurement systems.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Well-developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with industry partners.
• Ability to work independently within established procedures, applying sound judgement and initiative.
• Ability to adhere to Defence policies, procedures and values, including maintaining confidentiality and appropriate handling of sensitive financial information.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy, integrity and accountability in financial and procurement activities.

General Requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Security Clearance (Baseline or above). Therefore, applicants must hold citizenship of Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK or Canada to be considered.

Selection Criteria

Please ensure you provide a response to each of the listed selection criteria in your application. In your response, you must include relevant high-level examples from your experience that support your claims against the role. The word limit is strictly 250 words per response to each selection criteria. The panel may not assess incomplete applications or responses which exceed the word limit.

• A. Good financial knowledge, including the ability to maintain accurate financial records, generate financial reports and ensure compliance with relevant financial guidelines and policies.
• B. Good prioritisation and organisation skills, with the ability to be flexible and manage multiple priorities.
• C. Experience in building and sustaining effective relationships with clients and team members and actively participating in teamwork and group activities.
• D. Proven ability to effectively manage supplier relationships, including briefing suppliers on requirements, managing payments and ensuring standards of delivery are met and reflect value for money.
• E. Ability to accurately interpret and apply legislation and policies, and to use own judgement and decision-making skills as required.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds who share our values.

Benefits

• Up to 11% employer pension contribution
• Flex time provisions
• 20 days of recreational leave
• Up to 14 public holiday days