Help build Defence West from the ground up and shape the financial future of a new State agency.

A rare and exciting opportunity now exists for a visionary senior executive to lead Finance and Corporate Services and play a defining role in establishing Western Australia’s first dedicated defence agency.

There is currently one (1) permanent position available for immediate filling

About Us
The Department of the Premier and Cabinet supports the Premier as head of the Western Australian Government. The Department is a central agency that leads the public sector in providing advice and support to the Premier and Cabinet in their service of the Western Australian Community. We foster a workplace culture based on our core values, Leadership, Connection and Impact. For more information about the Department, please visit our website.

About Defence West
Defence West, delivered through the Office of Defence Industries, is being elevated into a new standalone organisation with a bold mandate: to grow Western Australia’s defence industry, strengthen sovereign capability, and position the State as a key contributor to the national defence effort.

This is a unique opportunity to join at the ground floor of an organisation with a clear mission and strong government backing. Defence West will drive investment attraction, foster defence science and innovation, support veterans and their families, create local jobs, and build the industrial capability needed for the future.

You will be joining at a formative stage, helping establish the systems, governance, culture, and corporate foundations of a new and evolving agency.

About the Role
The Director Finance and Corporate Services is Defence West’s senior corporate services leader and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), responsible for leading financial management, the preparation of financial information to support statutory reporting obligations, and managing broader corporate services functions.

The role provides strategic leadership across finance, procurement, audit, risk and compliance, and corporate governance to ensure strong stewardship, accountability, and operational effectiveness. The position plays a critical role in building the corporate foundations, systems, performance frameworks, and financial sustainability strategies required to support Defence West’s strategic objectives and long-term growth.

You will:

• Contribute to organisational strategy, planning, and Defence West’s performance outcomes as a member of the senior leadership team.
• Fulfil the statutory and functional responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), ensuring strong financial governance, integrity, and stewardship across the organisation.
• Lead the financial management of the organisation including procurement, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and performance analysis.
• Develop and implements fit-for-purpose business services operating models, systems, and processes.
• Build organisational capability in financial management, governance, risk, and compliance practices, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Provide high-level advice to the Board and support committees and senior leadership team on financial performance, risk, governance, and strategic investment.
• Build a high-performing team and foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and service excellence across the agency.

This is a career-defining role for a leader who wants to shape not just a function, but the corporate backbone of a new State agency of strategic importance.

About You
Defence West are seeking a commercially astute and outcomes-driven leader with strong experience in both financial management and broader corporate services within complex or evolving environments. You will bring:

• The ability to think strategically and contribute to organisational direction, including translating strategic objectives into practical financial and business service frameworks that support delivery outcomes.
• Experience in delivering business outcomes in complex environments, including establishing or improving financial management, governance, procurement, and corporate service functions to meet organisational objectives.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with senior leaders, central agencies, and external stakeholders, and to provide trusted, evidence-based advice.
• Commitment to public sector values, including integrity, accountability, and professionalism, with a strong focus on transparency, ethical decision-making, and stewardship of public resources.
• Highly developed communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate complex financial and governance concepts, influence decision-making, and provide high-quality advice to executive and Board-level stakeholders.
• A tertiary qualification in in accounting, finance, commerce, or a related discipline, with Professional membership (e.g. CPA, CA ANZ or equivalent) and experience in a central agency or establishment environment.

If you thrive in environments where you can build, shape and lead, while contributing to a mission of State and national significance, this role offers an exceptional opportunity.

For further job related information:
For further information, please refer to the attached Job Description Form (JDF) or contact Cameron Patterson, Director on 0484237295 (not to be contacted for assistance with lodging your application). 

Applicants are required to submit:

• A current and detailed résumé/curriculum vitae outlining your current and previous achievements; and
• A written application demonstrating how you meet the Work Related Capabilities (Selection Criteria) as detailed in the attached JDF in no more than two (2) pages

Eligibility for appointment  

• To be eligible for appointment for permanent positions in the West Australian Public Sector you must have suitable working rights for the duration of your employment, either through citizenship, permanent residency or visa conditions

Equity and Diversity
The Department of the Premier and Cabinet is committed to improving employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  As a measure to achieve equality and support, section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) will apply to this position. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Suitable applicants will be required to provide:

• Proof of identity 100-point check.
• A satisfactory National Police Certificate issued by the Western Australian Police Force that is less than two months from the date of issue.

How to Apply:
Click ‘Apply for Job' at the bottom of this advertisement to submit your application.

If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056, in the first instance.  For information about the process you can contact People Services at peopleservices@dpc.wa.gov.au.

Applications are to be received no later than 4:00 pm, Wednesday 22 July 2026

Please ensure you allow sufficient time to submit your application as late and incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Subsequent vacancies:
Applicants who are found suitable in this process, may be considered for similar vacancies that arise within the department, in accordance with the relevant Commissioner’s Instructions.

Collection Notice
The Department of The Premier and Cabinet (Department) collects this information to:

• Assess your suitability for the advertised position.
• Contact you regarding the progress of your application, including interview scheduling and outcome notifications.
• Fulfil reporting and compliance obligations related to recruitment and workforce planning.

We may share this information with:

• Members of the recruitment panel and relevant department staff, to evaluate your application and conduct interviews.
• External service providers engaged to support recruitment processes (e.g. psychometric testing, background checks), where applicable.

We’re asking for this information to help the Department meet its responsibilities under the Public Sector Management Act 1994 / State Records Act 2000 (WA), which guides how government records are created, managed and persevered, including those related to employment.

If you choose not to provide your contact details, qualifications, or employment history, we may be unable to consider your application for this position.

If you have any questions about how your personal information will be handled or would like to gain access to your personal information, you can contact the Department on (08) 6552 5000 or peopleservices@dpc.wa.go.au.