Leads a team of accountants and manages the financial performance of a major government contract. Responsibilities include monthly reporting, P&L review, reconciliations, budgeting, forecasting, KPI monitoring, variance analysis, risk mitigation, client engagement, and process improvement. The role partners with operational leaders and government stakeholders while ensuring reporting accuracy, compliance, and delivery against contract requirements.
Job Title
Senior Finance Business PartnerJob Description Summary
Lead a team of accountants and own the financial management of a major government contract at Cushman & Wakefield. You’ll run monthly reporting, budgets and forecasts, and be the trusted finance partner to the client.Job Description
Location: Melbourne
Eligibility: Australian Citizenship mandatory
Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a government security clearance
Key Responsibilities
Monthly Monitoring
- Own the timely delivery of all monthly financial requirements to Government Agencies, Executives, and operational leaders.
- Monitor performance against financial KPIs under the contract and ensure compliance with all reporting deadlines.
- Lead regular meetings with your team and stakeholders to ensure financial and operational KPIs are met.
- Review overall contract P&L, including accruals, prepayments, variance analysis, and commentary.
- Ensure accurate balance sheet reconciliations and internal controls, including clearing aged items and outstanding queries.
Budgets & Planning
- Lead the delivery of annual budgets and periodic forecasts for the client.
- Define, review, and agree on key assumptions, processes, and outputs with internal teams and the client.
- Support business streams to complete budgets on time and in line with client requirements.
- Identify risks and opportunities impacting full‑year performance and develop mitigation strategies.
- Drive analytical reviews, year‑on‑year analysis, and deep‑dive commentary to support decision‑making.
Relationship Management
- Deliver high‑quality financial services to clients under the contract.
- Provide financial support to operational and service delivery colleagues.
- Execute operational plans set by leadership and ensure alignment with client expectations.
Client Engagement
- Represent Cushman & Wakefield professionally and ensure all work meets the highest standards.
- Adapt quickly to changing client needs and maintain strong rapport to minimise escalations.
- Raise blockers early to avoid unnecessary issues with senior clients.
- Identify and flag cross‑selling opportunities to leadership.
- Understand how your role connects to the broader account and ensure seamless collaboration across workstreams.
Other Responsibilities
- Perform additional duties as required by your manager.
- Support major functions or events, including occasional extended hours during peak periods.
- Develop and maintain operational standards, process maps, playbooks, and operating manuals.
About You
Leadership & Behavioural Capabilities
- Proven ability to lead, manage, and develop a team of qualified accountants.
- Strong commercial mindset with a focus on value creation and continuous improvement.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to chair meetings and present complex financial concepts to non‑finance stakeholders.
- Strong analytical reasoning and ability to “tell the story” behind the numbers.
- Comfortable working in ambiguity and navigating change.
- Exceptional relationship management, influencing, and negotiation skills.
Technical Skills
- Qualified Accountant (CPA, CIMA, CFA, or CA).
- Advanced Excel and PowerBI skills; experience with Anaplan and Blackline is advantageous.
- Strong understanding of AASB16 Lease Accounting.
- Experience with JDE, SAP, or other large ERP systems.
Why Join Cushman & Wakefield?
- Be part of a global organisation committed to diversity, inclusion, and professional growth.
- Opportunity to step into a senior leadership role with clear pathways for career progression.
- Supportive environment that values work‑life balance, flexibility, and employee wellbeing.
As an equal opportunity employer, Cushman & Wakefield encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and female candidates to apply. Cushman & Wakefield promotes safety at all times.INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”
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