About the WAEC
Western Australia is a great place to live and deliver elections, and it is getting better. We are transforming the Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) into a contemporary leader in electoral service by modernising systems, strengthening capability and lifting the experience for voters and stakeholders.
Behind every polling place, ballot count and result is a finance function that keeps the whole operation moving. Budgets, reporting, controls and the numbers that leaders rely on to make the big calls. If you want your financial expertise to count for something well beyond the balance sheet, this is your moment.
At WAEC, we are guided by four values: Make it Count, Check Every Box, Focus on Fairness and Achieve Together. We are committed to recruiting people whose behaviours, leadership style and approach to public service align with these values, recognising that cultural contribution is as important as technical capability.
Join us in a leadership role with genuine purpose, because in the end it is not just about the numbers. It is about playing your part in something bigger, helping safeguard trust in democracy.
The Opportunity
As the Assistant Director Finance, you are the right hand to the Chief Financial Officer and the engine room of the Commission's financial operations. You will lead the Finance business unit day to day, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, financial accounting, statutory and management reporting, controls and audit coordination, and making sure financial services are accurate, timely, efficient and compliant.
This role is bigger than running the day to day, as the CFO's second in charge, you will help shape WAEC's budget strategy and contribute to the strategic direction of the Commission. You will provide authoritative advice to leaders, engage with Treasury, central agencies and external auditors, prepare and oversee ministerial documentation, briefings and statutory reporting and drive continuous improvement across finance systems and processes.
This is a genuine step-up opportunity for a technically strong finance leader. You will operate at CFO level on the issues that matter, build a high-performing team and position yourself for the next stage of your career.
About You
You are a qualified accountant (full professional membership of CA, CPA, IPA or another suitable body) with deep technical strength across financial accounting, budgeting and forecasting, statutory and management reporting and internal controls. You know the Western Australian public sector financial framework, including the Financial Management Act 2006, Treasurer's Instructions and applicable accounting standards, and you are confident engaging with Treasury and external stakeholders on budget and reporting matters.
You are ready to step up. You think and operate at CFO level, you can prepare and stand behind ministerial documentation and high-stakes financial advice, and you bring sound judgement under pressure in an environment with fixed timeframes and heightened scrutiny.
Above all, you are a strong people leader and a genuine change agent. You build high-performing, accountable and collaborative teams, you lift capability and you lead change with clarity and confidence. You see compliant, well-controlled financials not as red tape but as the foundation for strong business outcomes, and you bring people with you on the journey.
You also embody the spirit of public service, leading with integrity, professionalism and innovation, with an unwavering focus on protecting public trust and delivering outcomes in the best interests of Western Australians.
Specific details of the role can be found in the Position Description attached to this advert.
Want to Know More?
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, you are encouraged to contact Shai Harris, Principal Consultant, Shelby Consulting on 0409 914 207 or email shai@shelbyconsulting.com.au.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit:
- a resume outlining the skills, experience and capabilities you will bring to the role
- a written response (maximum one page) addressing the single question below.
There is no need for a separate covering letter. We want to keep this simple and give you the space to show us how you think.
Your application question
If you were appointed as the Assistant Director Finance, what would your priorities be to establish a high-performing team and deliver compliant financials which enable strong business outcomes?
Applications close 4PM (AWST) Friday, 17 July 2026.
Select “Apply for Job” at the top or bottom of this advertisement to submit your application. Applications must be submitted online and, if you experience any issues, please contact WAEC HR on 9214 0400. Late applications will not be accepted.
Other Conditions and Eligibility
To be eligible for a permanent appointment to a position with the WAEC, it is essential that you have valid work rights in Australia.
The successful applicant will be required to sign a Declaration of Neutrality and a Declaration of Confidentiality, indicating that they have no active or official connection with any political party and will maintain the necessary confidentiality to ensure the integrity of the Commission.
The work-related requirements for the role will be assessed throughout the selection process. A variety of assessment methodologies may be used, including but not limited to skills assessments, psychometric testing, interviews and referee checks.
