Finance Policy Advisor

Acknowledgement of Country 

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation. 

Role highlights

• Develop clear and practical finance policies
• Ensure compliance with standards and government policy
• Manage risk and promote accountability

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

Eligibility 

This is a security assessed position. Applicants must be an Australian citizen, with successful candidate either holding or having the ability to obtain a Baseline level Australian Government security clearance. Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.   

For Internal Applicants: You must be a CSIRO indefinite or specified term employee who has been previously appointed to an advertised vacancy via a competitive process.

Role particulars

Location and office arrangements: All CSIRO Australian locations considered

Salary: AU$100,103 to AU$113,251 pa (pro-rata for part-time) + up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure & work schedule:  Specified term  - 8 months from Jan 2026

Reference: 102018

The opportunity 

As the Finance Policy Advisor, you will work closely with subject matter experts and key stakeholders to develop and maintain a robust finance governance and policy framework.

This role ensures finance policies and procedures are clear, practical, and aligned with current accounting standards, government policy, and best-practice finance processes. You will also implement control mechanisms within published procedures to manage risk and promote a culture of accountability and compliance across CSIRO’s financial operations.

Your high-level duties will include: 

• Under limited supervision, develop and revise best practice financial policy and procedures in alignment with all relevant legislation and Accountable Authority Instructions.
• Consult and collaborate with subject matter experts across CSIRO to develop an effective financial governance and policy framework.
• Co-ordinate quarterly finance compliance activities, communicating with all relevant teams within Finance to produce comprehensive reports and summary.
• Develop and review policies, procedures, systems and compliance frameworks and make recommendations to guide management decisions.
• Anticipate stakeholders' needs, ensure the relevance of the activity and achievement of team objectives, take personal responsibility for guaranteeing client satisfaction, and correct problems promptly in a constructive manner.
• Establish networks with other professionals both within and external to CSIRO to ensure the financial policy framework reflects current practices. 

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

Essential criteria

1. Demonstrated technical knowledge and/or experience in developing policies and procedures in consultation with subject matters experts and other key stakeholders.
2. Proven experience identifying and analysing complex or ill-defined problems and developing appropriate solutions to communicate clearly to stakeholders.
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to deliver clear, concise and compelling messaging to a broad audience.
4. Proven ability to achieve a high level of trust and respect and build strong, productive and collaborative relationships with stakeholders providing accurate and timely advice that influences outcomes.
5. Demonstrated ability contributing to a high performing team, working cooperatively to achieve common goals to an expected standard with high self-motivation and organisational skills.

Desirable:

1. An understanding of Government processes, including PGPA Act, Australian Accounting Standards and Accountable Authority Instructions.
2. Previous experience working in a finance team in an operational environment, in particular, developing finance policies or procedures and compliance reporting.
3. High-level Microsoft Office skills.
4. Previous experience with Sitecore or other content management systems.

Please note, Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.

For full details about this role, including all selection criteria and duties, please review the Position Description. 

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Child safety 

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy. 

How to apply 

Please apply online and submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role.

Applications close 

4 January 2026 11:00pm AEDT