About us

As a department our purpose is to help the community to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from the impact of fire and emergency events.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) is the primary provider of fire, rescue and emergency management programs and services throughout Queensland. The department encompasses the Fire and Rescue Service, disaster management services, the Rural Fire Service and the State Emergency Service, and also supports other volunteer groups providing emergency response to Queenslanders.

QFES is one department with many services, many capabilities and many partners.

Purpose of the role

The Budget and Performance Reporting unit provides strategic budget and financial management accounting services to QFES. This includes the development of operating and capital budgets in collaboration with QFES business units, budget and performance reporting, analysis and forecasting services, budget maintenance, costing and investment analysis and assistance with funding submissions, as well as Treasury (budget) reporting activities including budget paper preparation.

Reporting to the Director, Finance Services and Levy, you will be responsible for leading and managing a team of finance professionals to deliver contemporary budget and financial management services to QFES. You will be required to provide expert advice and recommendations to senior executives and governance committees on strategic financial management issues, impacts and opportunities. You will also develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal business units and external stakeholders, and perform a lead role in liaison and consultation with external agencies including the Queensland Treasury on financial management and budgeting matters to ensure QFES meets its financial management, compliance and statutory obligations.

Key requirements

Highly desirable requirements

• Experience managing dynamic finance teams and possession of tertiary and post graduate qualifications in accounting or related disciplines.
• Current Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) accreditation with CPA Australia and/or Chartered Accountant accreditation with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ).

Your key accountabilities

Your part in the ongoing success of our department, in supporting frontline services will see you responsible for a variety of work, including, but not limited to:

• Lead the delivery of financial forward planning, strategic costings and analysis, funding submissions, and the state budget cycle to support financial management and the delivery of QFES strategic objectives.
• Lead the annual operating and capital budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance reporting for QFES, ensuring these financial services are implemented with strong engagement of internal and external stakeholders and financial information integrity is maintained and complies with financial legislation, standards, policies and practices.
• Provide expert advice and recommendations to key stakeholders on funding and management accounting issues to ensure effective planning and decision-making processes are achieved.
• Manage the continual development and implementation of effective strategic forward planning and budget management processes, analysing trends and forecasts to assist Senior Management and Executives with informed decision making.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders in the development and implementation of business improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of financial processes and controls.
• Manage, prepare and review complex reports, briefs, and submissions relating to budget and financial performance reporting matters, and ensure accurate and appropriate response to a range of correspondence, in accordance with departmental requirements.
• Represent QFES on committees, meetings or working groups relating to budget, funding and financial management reporting issues, and manage liaison and consultation to build financial awareness and ensure positive outcomes are delivered that meets business needs.
• Lead and manage the functions of the team through effective human resource and financial management practices and principles, including development of staff through performance, planning and review.

Capabilities

To determine your suitability for the role, you will be assessed on the following Leadership Competencies for Queensland behavioural profiles that link to the “key accountabilities” for this role:

Leadership Competency Stream – Program Leader (leading teams and/or projects)

Vision

• Leads strategically
• Makes insightful decisions

Results

• Develops and mobilises talent
• Builds enduring relationships

Accountability

• Fosters healthy and inclusive workplaces
• Demonstrates sound governance

Once you join us we will want you to exemplify the QFES shared values:

• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Courage
• Loyalty