About the Department

The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.

The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.

About the Division

The Early Learning Operations and Monitoring Division leads and supports policy, program development and monitoring for early childhood education and care, with a focus on delivering high quality kindergarten services. The Sector Monitoring sub-branch has recently been established to lead financial assessment and monitoring of funded kindergarten providers, as well as kindergarten contract management strategy and oversight.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced audit professional to join a high performing, supportive team that is passionate about improving outcomes for Victorian children. You will play a pivotal role in:

• Establishment of a new operational audit and assurance function monitoring funded kindergarten providers

• Supporting a competitive procurement process to contract external auditors, including documentation and managing the appointment

• Both independently and with external auditors, create and complete audit work plans including identifying audit objectives, conducting risk assessments, designing audit procedures and developing audit budgets and timelines

• Conducting interviews with stakeholders to understand and document processes under review and identify relevant risks and controls

• Preparing audit reports that articulate key findings and recommended remedial actions

• Working closely with a VPS4 team member to complete audit tasks and upskill the wider branch where appropriate

• Conducting financial viability assessments of complex providers

Attributes

• Experience in external audit, risk management or a professional services role such as audit, risk, assurance, commercial credit, or mergers and acquisitions

• Demonstrated business acumen and understanding of process, risks, systems, finance and operations

• Proven ability to identify trends, patterns, risks and opportunities

• Ability to critically evaluate problems from multiple perspectives and provide practical and solution-oriented insights and improvements

• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively in a manner that is clear and concise, and to comfortably deal with difficult and sensitive lines of enquiry

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Essential: Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting or related discipline

• Essential: Experience in designing and conducting external audits and internal control procedures

• Desirable: Accreditation with CA/CPA/CIA/CFA or equivalent or working towards accreditation

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application. Applications should include a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (no longer than 2 pages) and a resume.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact Meg Beilken, Manager Audit and Assurance Strategic Projects on 0437 963 182.

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Tanya James, Senior Manager Sector Monitoring on (03) 9084 8492.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on THursday 12 June 2025.