hero

Portfolio Company Careers

Discover career opportunities across PFG's network of portfolio companies

Chief Financial Officer

QinetiQ

QinetiQ

Accounting & Finance
Canberra, Australia
Posted on Aug 23, 2024

QinetiQ is a global defence and security company and employs more than 8500 people in more than 50 locations around the world. We offer our customers premier expertise in advice, services and creative technology-based products and help solve some of their most challenging problems.

Our determination to deliver and improve today and anticipate and shape tomorrow, makes QinetiQ a very exciting, rewarding and respected place to work and learn. Globally QinetiQ has four Sectors, one of which is the ‘Australia Sector’’. The Australia Sector has more than 1,200 employees operating across four countries, namely Australia, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom.

In today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, we protect the national security interests of our customers through our global threat representation, engineering and advisory services offerings. With growth on our agenda, QinetiQ offers unrivalled career opportunities. Our growth. Your opportunity.


As we wish our Chief Financial Officer well as he transitions to retirement, the door is now open for a new seasoned financial leader to join us.

As our new Chief Financial Officer, you will work in complete partnership with the Chief Executive of the Australia Sector and the Australia Sector leadership team. You will bring thought leadership, depth and breadth of functional excellence and professional insight and expertise to bear. You will act as coach, integrator, trusted advisor and partner with your peers and your globally distributed team as you execute your cabinet responsibility for the Australia Sector.

With responsibility across the full reach of our multi-country sector, you will:

  • Provide Sector stewardship, leadership and control of the financial affairs of the Australia Sector in accordance with Group Finance strategy, policy and procedures
  • Collaborates with the Group (HQ) Chief Financial Officer and Group Financial Controller to evolve, improve and embed Group Finance strategy, policy and procedures
  • Be accountable for Australia Sector financial performance management and reporting and ensure the Sector is compliant regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions
  • Own and develop the governance framework within the Sector, including legal, risk and assurance activities
  • Lead on financial support in key business activity across the full value chain, including winning and delivering / execution, investment business cases / decisions
  • Partner with the Australia Sector Leadership Team to develop an achievable plan to execute agreed strategy, including organic growth, integrating inorganic acquisitions and executing strategic disposals
  • Partner with the Sector Chief Growth Officer and Chief Operating Officer to maintain reliable forecasts
  • Partner with the People Function and Chief Shared Services Officer in the design and execution of a future fit payroll strategy which aligns to the Group payroll strategy

To effectively partner with the Chief Executive, this key role will be based in Canberra. A generous relocation package is available.

As our ideal applicant, you are commercially astute, customer focused, strategic, collaborative and results-oriented. You are an inspiring people leader who champions a global mindset, transparently communicates expectations, priorities and deliverables and demonstrates an ability to develop and engage teams.

In terms of practical experience, this senior role calls for:

  • ACA/ACCA qualifications or equivalent with significant, demonstrable post qualification experience in a senior finance role within a commercial environment (ideally but not necessarily defence)
  • Experience in working across geographies / jurisdictions, with the demonstrated ability to adapt and evolve to be successful in different cultures
  • A detailed understanding of IFRS and local accounting standards / environment
  • Demonstrated experience of successfully delivery in complex matrix organisations
  • Proven ability to drive efficiency, financial control and process reviews
  • Experience in delivering fit for purpose reports, information, analysis and advice to Senior Executives, including CEO level

Due to the nature of our business, you must be eligible for Australian Defence security clearance. Current security clearance is not essential but will be well regarded.

Whilst applications must be made online, confidential enquiries are welcome and may be directed to Cathy Riach, Director of Talent Acquisition & Talent Management via email: clriach@qinetiq.com.au. A position description is available upon request.

Applications close Friday 13th September, 2024.

#LI-CR1

#LI-Hybrid

Looking for an Employer with Benefits?

At QinetiQ, our competitive remuneration and benefits package supports your evolving needs throughout your career. You’ll share in the company’s success, and be rewarded for your own. We’ll invest in your professional development and provide an inclusive environment for you to succeed.

Some of our benefits include:

  • Individual Professional development allowance
  • Access to LinkedIn Learning
  • Flexible work
  • Purchased leave program & loyalty leave
  • Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave
  • Annual incentive scheme
  • Complimentary salary continuance insurance
  • Annual volunteering leave with Operation Give Back
  • Relaxed dress code


As the defence industry in Australia grows, it is an exciting time to join QinetiQ. What the company looks like today will be different to that of tomorrow as we navigate an ever changing world. To innovate for our customers' advantage we value the need for diversity of thought in everything we do. We provide a flexible and inclusive environment where our people can bring their whole selves to work, meaningfully contribute and have equal opportunity to succeed. We actively seek applications from people who come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Aligned with our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Reconciliation Action Plan, we also encourage applications from women, veterans and First Nations people.

QinetiQ conducts pre-employment screening, including but not limited to identity verification and police checks, for all preferred candidates.