• Full-time ongoing Senior Executive Band 1 role based in Regional NSW (location negotiable)
• TRP commencing from $218,617per annum including superannuation, commensurate with experience
• Influential leadership role driving financial governance, performance insight, and strategic advisory across the DPIRD portfolio

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is seeking an accomplished financial executive to lead strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance advisory across a complex, high-impact portfolio. As Director Business Advisory, you will provide authoritative financial insight to senior executives, strengthen financial governance, and ensure the organisation meets its statutory, compliance, and performance obligations. This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for a seasoned financial strategist who can translate complex financial information into meaningful advice, influence decision-making at the highest levels, and drive continuous improvement in financial management practices across a diverse operating environment.

About Us

DPIRD is dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long-term benefits for NSW. With nearly 5,000 employees—80% of whom live and work in regional communities—the department brings together Agriculture and Biosecurity, Fisheries and Forestry, Local Land Services, NSW Resources, Regional Development and Delivery (including NSW Public Works, the Soil Conservation Service, and the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation). Our work spans economic development, environmental stewardship, emergency response, and the long-term sustainability of NSW’s primary industries and regions.

About the Role

As Director Business Advisory, you will lead the development, integration, and delivery of the DPIRD portfolio’s financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting frameworks. You will oversee the production and management of operating and capital budgets, forward estimates, and financial models that provide deep insight into revenue, cost drivers, and organisational performance. A core responsibility is ensuring senior executives have timely, meaningful, and actionable financial information that supports strategic decision-making and strengthens organisational performance.

You will play a central role in advising on the financial implications of business strategies, analysing performance trends, and identifying risks and opportunities across a diverse and dynamic operating environment. This includes leading variance analysis, developing corrective action plans with business leaders, and supporting the achievement of savings targets and financial sustainability objectives. You will also lead periodic reviews of financial planning and reporting frameworks, ensuring they remain contemporary, efficient, and aligned with emerging organisational needs and professional standards.

The role requires strong oversight of financial governance, including establishing and maintaining effective internal controls over budgeting and forecasting processes, and ensuring compliance with legislative, policy, and audit requirements. You will lead the review of business cases and funding submissions, providing expert recommendations that support robust investment decisions and resource allocation.

A key part of the role is managing DPIRD’s relationship with NSW Treasury, including coordinating responses to budget processes, funding reviews, new policy proposals, and ad‑hoc financial performance requests. You will represent the organisation in high‑stakes financial discussions, ensuring the portfolio’s financial position is clearly articulated and accurately reflected in Treasury processes.

Operating with significant autonomy, you will lead a team of financial professionals, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement. You will be expected to navigate competing priorities, manage urgent requests, and provide calm, strategic leadership in a complex and demanding environment.

About You

You are an experienced senior financial leader with a strong track record in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis within a large, complex organisation. You bring deep expertise in financial modelling, variance analysis, and interpreting the drivers of financial performance, and you are adept at translating complex financial information into clear, compelling insights for executives and operational leaders.

Your leadership style reflects sound judgement, resilience, and the ability to remain composed in high‑pressure or unpredictable environments. You are confident providing frank, evidence‑based advice, even when navigating divergent viewpoints or sensitive issues. You demonstrate advanced capability in influencing and negotiating with senior stakeholders, building consensus, and resolving complex financial or operational challenges.

You bring a strong understanding of financial governance, internal controls, and compliance requirements, including the Government Sector Finance Act, Treasurer’s Directions, NSW Treasury Policy and Guidance statements, and Australian Accounting Standards. You model the highest standards of integrity, financial probity, and accountability, and you embed risk management principles into planning and decision-making. Your ability to design and measure accountabilities, oversee quality assurance practices, and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks is a hallmark of your professional practice.

You are also an experienced people leader who can motivate, develop, and support a high-performing team. You understand how to align systems, processes, and workforce capability to deliver improved financial outcomes and public value. You are committed to inclusive leadership, value diverse perspectives, and foster a collaborative environment where ideas and innovation are encouraged.

You will hold a relevant tertiary qualification and be eligible for membership with a recognised professional accounting body such as CA ANZ or CPA Australia. Above all, you are driven by a commitment to public value, financial stewardship, and strengthening organisational performance through strategic, evidence‑based financial leadership.

To Apply

Please submit an updated CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and alignment to the role.

Please also refer to the full  Role Description .

Applications close 10am Monday 2 February 2026 at 11:55pm.

If you have any additional questions about this role please reach out to Angus Begg, CFO Enabling Services on angus.begg@dpird.nsw.gov.au or 0404 861 721 to arrange a time for a conversation. 

Additional Information: 

The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required. 

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.  

Diversity and inclusion are core values of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is a workplace where everyone is able to contribute and participate to their full potential, and we are proud to have a team that reflects the richness and complexity of the regional NSW communities we serve.  

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to capability.talent@regional.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed below for a confidential discussion.