Strategic Finance Director
INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
OCTOBER 2015
Strategic Finance Director | i
Creating our data-driven future
Data61 is Australia’s digital innovation powerhouse
We are creating our data-driven future. By combining the expertise of the CSIRO Digital
Productivity team and National ICT Australia (NICTA) to form Data61 we are building the world’s
leading data-focused research and innovation powerhouse.
Our vision is to allow people to live longer, to live better, and to do extraordinary things using
technology.
Data is the future
We are shifting to a new economic structure, an evidence-based world, where data underpins
decision making. In the past two years more data was produced globally than in all of history. This
volume continues to grow exponentially, resulting in massive economic and societal disruption.
A recent survey by GE and Accenture1 found that 87% of executives believed that big data would
shift the competitive landscape in the next three years. Almost every industry will be influenced,
or altered, by the data revolution over the next 5-20 years.
We focus on every aspect of data R&D
Our expertise is in how to think about data, how to use data, and how to value data.
We provide a network of capabilities, focusing on every aspect of data research and development,
for a data-focused world:
 Data capture to data consumption
 Communications and networking
 Infrastructure
 Hardware and software
 Security and risk assessment
 Data statistics modelling and analytics
 Decision sciences, and
 Behavioural economics and cognitive sciences.
We have a strong delivery focus, underpinned by excellence in engineering, technology
development and project management.
Being part of CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, gives us access to deep domain expertise
across all of the industry sectors most likely to be disrupted.
1
“Industrial Internet Insights Report for 2015”, GE and Accenture, October 2014.
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Strategic Finance Director
The role
The Strategic Finance Director is responsible is responsible for leading the Finance team deployed
across the Data61 business unit, with a priority focus on the strategic development and
management of Data61’s financial outcomes and oversight of the IT and operations functions.
The Strategic Finance Director will be part of the Data61 leadership team and will help develop
and implement the business (and financial) operating model and recommend adjustments as
necessary, as well as providing financial insights to develop and implement a strategy to secure
the long term financial viability of the new business. Working closely with CSIRO Corporate
Finance, the Strategic Finance Director will be responsible for the financial statement and audit
processes of the NICTA group. The role is also responsible for the oversight of the administrative
and IT operations, licensing and governance functions within Data61.
The role requires a senior finance professional, with strong experience in leading strategic financial
outcomes and delivering financial services, as well as managing teams to deliver other operational
outputs.
The position is part of the CSIRO Finance team led by the CSIRO General Manager Finance.
Duties and key result areas
A pivotal leadership role providing strategic financial advice and operational oversight to the
leadership team of Data61 by:
Impact business leadership
 Develop a viable and sustainable strategic financial plan that builds and maintains long term
financial sustainability
 Provide analytical and strategic advice and proactive guidance on all aspects of finance to
support the delivery of organisational objectives in line with Finance group and CSIRO-wide
objectives
 In conjunction with the Leadership teams, develop operating models, forecasts and provide
financial reports for investment and business decision making
 Ensure compliance with best practise governance which is streamlined and provides flexibility
and agility
Capability leadership
 Build and motivate high performance across and within teams
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 Build the finance capability, including mentoring, coaching, training and resource management
with a commitment to learning and development, and knowledge transfer across CSIRO and
Data61
 Foster and grow team-based processes and outcomes
Engagement and partnerships
 Support the Sales and Business Development function in ensuring that agreements are
financially viable and mutually beneficial for clients/partners
 Build deep, trust based and collegial relationships with relevant internal and external
stakeholders and encourage cross organisation business collaboration
 Develop, maintain and enhance productive working relationships with key internal and external
stakeholders
Resource leadership
 Lead future finance modelling based on intelligence gained from across the organisation
 Assist with the development, implementation and oversight of new investment models (equity
investments, spin-outs, etc) in Data61 with extension across CSIRO
 Manage the risk register across the Data61 business
 Work with the Finance Group Management team on priority initiatives as either lead or
contributor
 Provide oversight and leadership to the operations functions such as IT
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Selection criteria
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
 Relevant CA or CPA qualification, along with at least 5 years’ experience in a senior finance
leadership role, with responsibility for a budget in excess of $100m and relevant nature of
business operations
 Highly developed analytical skills, communication skills and the ability to manage risk
 Proven senior leadership experience in building organisational capabilities and sustainability
through strategic financial planning and the provision of strategic financial advice
 Proven experience in building strong partnerships with stakeholders to develop organisational
and cross-functional solutions
 Proven track record of managing infrastructure and services
Data61 is a values-based organisation. Our leaders will be expected to demonstrate the following
values:
 Hierarchy: Country, Company, Team, Individual
 Openness: Open debate, collaboration, full commitment
 Learning: Calculated risks, institutionalise learning, fast cadence
 Impact: Tackle hard problems; create the future, focus on outcomes
 Stewardship: Lead, make each function and co. stronger over time
Conditions of employment
The appointment will be for a fixed term of three years with the possibility for further periods as
mutually agreed and will be subject to annual performance reviews.
An attractive and flexibly constructed remuneration package will be negotiated and will include:
 Employer contribution to superannuation of up to 15.4%
 Recreation leave of 20 working days per annum
 Carers leave
In addition, reasonable assistance with be provided for relocation expenses for the appointee and
dependents.
Location
Our preference is for the role to be based in Sydney; however other locations may also be
considered.
Application process
If you wish to proceed with applying for this position the following information will assist you.
Please refer to the selection criteria above.
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The role is open to Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents and Temporary Residents who have
full work rights for the duration of the appointment and do not require sponsorship.
Your application must include the following:
 A covering letter or statement that outlines your motivations for applying and demonstrating
your suitability for the role
 A curriculum vitae providing your personal details; qualifications; work history and the names
and contact details of two previous supervisors or academic/ professional referees
Lodging your application
To apply please go to www.csiro.au/careers. You will need to upload your covering letter and
curriculum vitae as one document.
If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 984 220 and someone will be able to assist
you. Outside business hours please email: csiro-careers@csiro.au
Closing date
9 November 2015 11:59 AEDT
Enquiries and further information
If you wish to discuss the position in further detail please contact:
Ms Anthea Roberts
Talent Director Data61
Executive HR Manger CSIRO National Facilities and Collections
Tel: +61 7 3327 4140
Email: anthea.roberts@csiro.au
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CONTACT US
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
t 1300 984 220
+61 3 9545 2176
e csiro-careers@csiro.au
w www.data61.csiro.au
Anthea Roberts
t +61 7 3327 4140
e anthea.roberts@csiro.au
w www.data61.csiro.au
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