Finance Officer – Australia Awards Global Support Unit

Finance Officer – Australia Awards Global Support Unit

• Location: Canberra, Australia
• Employment type & Contract term: Full-time, fixed-term contract for an initial period of 12 months to provide maternity leave coverage.
• Work rights: This role is open to candidates who are currently based in Australia and hold valid Australian work rights. Visa sponsorship, relocation support, and relocation-related allowances are not available for this position.

The Opportunity

The Finance Officer plays a key role in supporting the effective financial management and administration of the Australia Awards Global Support Unit (GSU), contributing to the successful delivery of program operations across the Australia Awards portfolio.

Working closely with GSU teams, DFAT stakeholders, service providers and implementing partners, you will support financial administration activities, grants disbursements, budget monitoring and financial reporting requirements. The role is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and documentation, supporting compliance obligations, and contributing to strong financial governance across the program.

You will assist with budget management, financial reporting, audit processes and the implementation of financial procedures that promote accountability, transparency and value for money. The role also supports the efficient coordination of financial and administrative processes to ensure program resources are managed effectively and in accordance with established policies and procedures.

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organised finance professional who enjoys working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and is committed to supporting high-quality program delivery through strong financial management practices.

About the Program

The Australia Awards Global Support Unit (GSU) is an initiative designed to enhance the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) international scholarship program delivery by providing operational, technical and analytical services to DFAT. Palladium delivers the GSU to:

• Operational Support: High quality and efficient administrative and standard business support services provided to DFAT.
• Technical Support: High quality, coherent, consistent and fit for purpose technical support services that also promote gender equality, disability and social inclusion outcomes throughout DFAT’s international scholarship programs network.

Within the GSU, strong compliance, due diligence and quality assurance is critical to ensuring that scholarships and fellowship programs are delivered consistently with DFAT policies, contractual obligations and governance requirements. This includes assurance over delivery partners, institutions and grant recipients that support Australia Awards outcomes.

Working with children

Is this position likely to come into contact with children? No

Responsibilities

• What you will do

• Support the effective financial management of the Australia Awards Global Support Unit (GSU), ensuring financial processes are delivered accurately, efficiently and in line with DFAT and Palladium requirements.

• Manage financial administration activities, including invoice processing, reconciliations, cost coding, grants disbursement and payment verification.

• Contribute to budget monitoring, financial reporting and audit activities, supporting strong financial governance and compliance across the program.

• Provide responsive financial help desk support to DFAT, implementing partners and program stakeholders, resolving issues and maintaining accurate records.

• Work collaboratively with finance, HR, business services and IT teams to support the effective delivery of integrated support services.

• Support the continuous improvement of financial systems, processes and procedures, promoting accountability, transparency and value for money.

• Undertake other duties as reasonably requested by the Finance Manager.

• The work in practice

This role is likely to suit someone who is comfortable with:

• Managing multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including DFAT, service providers, implementing partners and internal teams.

• Interpreting and applying financial policies, procedures and compliance requirements.

• Providing responsive, customer-focused support in a fast-paced program environment.

• Identifying opportunities to improve processes, solve problems and enhance service delivery.

• The role combines financial administration, stakeholder engagement and operational support responsibilities. Specific duties may evolve over time to meet program priorities and business needs.

Qualifications

• What you will bring

Please apply if you can show evidence of:

• Tertiary qualifications or its equivalent, in accounting and/or equivalent combination of relevant experience.

• Demonstrated experience in financial administrative support of projects and/or organisations.

• Proficiency with financial management systems and Microsoft Office programs, in particular MS Word and Excel to a high level of proficiency.

• Capability in the use of information system/s for efficient and seamless program administration. High level of attention to detail including accurate data management.

• A positive client focus. Capability to respond quickly and efficiently to client issues to meet tight deadlines and understand users’ needs.

• Effective interpersonal and social skills including cross-cultural experience and communication skills, and the ability to influence a wide range of stakeholders.

• Well-developed and proactive support, diagnostic, problem solving and troubleshooting skills competency and ability to implement solutions as appropriate.

• How we work here

• At Palladium, you'll be part of a collaborative and inclusive workplace where your contribution matters. We offer opportunities for professional growth through diverse projects, mentoring and development pathways, alongside flexible ways of working that support wellbeing and work–life integration. Employees benefit from a values-driven culture that promotes diversity, inclusion, integrity and recognition, while working alongside talented colleagues committed to creating meaningful impact.

• The Australia Awards Global Support Unit (GSU) is a diverse and multicultural team where differences are valued and everyone's contribution is respected. With most team members based in Canberra, we operate in a hybrid environment that supports both collaboration and flexibility. We are committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance and offer a hybrid working arrangement, including the opportunity to work from home up to two days per week.

• About Palladium

• Palladium is a global development and consulting firm, part of the GISI Consulting Group, working alongside some of the world’s leading project management and engineering organisations. We partner with governments, businesses, investors and communities to design and deliver complex programs that create lasting impact. With a presence across more than 90 countries, Palladium offers the opportunity to work on meaningful challenges, alongside talent