Senior Finance Business Partner

Job Title
Senior Finance Business Partner

Job Description Summary
Lead a team of accountants and own the financial management of a major government contract at Cushman & Wakefield. You’ll run monthly reporting, budgets and forecasts, and be the trusted finance partner to the client.

Job Description
Location: Melbourne
Eligibility: Australian Citizenship mandatory
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.

As an equal opportunity employer, Cushman & Wakefield encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and female candidates to apply. Cushman & Wakefield promotes safety at all times.

INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”