Senior Finance Business Partner

Job Title

Job Description Summary

Job Description

Location: Canberra

Eligibility: Australian Citizenship required

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.