About us

Plant Health Australia (PHA) is the trusted coordinator of the Australian plant biosecurity system. As a not-for-profit company and a registered charity, PHA works in partnership with industry, governments, researchers and others to generate solutions that improve biosecurity outcomes and ensures the system is future-orientated and solutions-focused.

The purpose of PHA is for government and industry to have a strong biosecurity partnership that minimises pest impacts on Australia, enhances market access and contributes to industry and community sustainability.

PHA also aspires to be an employer of choice with a strong employee value proposition.

About the position

The PHA Finance team ensures PHA’s financial and statutory compliance and manages the company’s finance, accounting and payroll functions as well as statutory levies.

PHA is looking for a Chief Financial Officer to be a key strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and member of the Executive Management Team (EMT), contributing to organisational direction, financial sustainability, and long-term planning. The CFO leads financial governance, statutory compliance and strategic financial management for PHA, supporting and enabling PHA’s vision and mission.

With general direction from the CEO, the CFO will work across a broad scope: with other senior executives on the development and execution of strategy, and with the Finance team on delivering a superior finance and accounting service to the business.

A critical component of the role is the need to be hands-on with impeccable technical financial skills, coupled with business acumen, strategic insight, and well-developed leadership skills. The CFO will be expected to coach and develop a team of finance professionals at different stages of their careers.

Key responsibilities of the CFO include:

• Lead financial governance, statutory compliance, and strategic financial management for PHA
• Oversee sophisticated financial control systems that protect organisational assets and ensure accurate reporting
• As a member of the Executive Management Team (EMT), contribute to organisational direction, collaborating on risk management and strategic planning activities
• Deliver high-quality financial reporting to the Board of Directors and stakeholders.
• Manage external auditor relationships and drive implementation of recommendations
• Develop performance metrics that align with and drive strategic objectives
• Ensure compliance with statutory levies and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support business development initiatives and evaluate financial implications of strategic partnerships.

Our ideal candidate

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• CA/CPA qualification and membership
• Graduate qualification in a business discipline, including finance and economics
• Demonstrated experience in financial governance, budgeting, and strategic financial management
• Strong leadership skills and experience managing finance teams
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement, communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to executive leadership and organisational strategy
• High level research and analytical skills, with the ability to translate information into strategy and plans
• Experience in identifying and evaluating new revenue opportunities and strategic partnerships (Desirable)
• Graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (Desirable)

Appointment terms

As a senior management appointment, the position is available on a full-time, fixed term basis of three (3) years, renewable.

The position is based in the PHA Office in Canberra, with relocation assistance to Canberra for an interstate appointee should this be required.

The salary range (excluding superannuation) is $183,500 – $192,251 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

There is occasional interstate travel required for this position.

For further information or enquiries

Please see the position description for further information about the role.

For any further enquiries, please contact Michael Miitze, People & Culture Consultant, via email: mmiitze@phau.com.au

Work rights

Candidates must have ongoing work rights in Australia, independent of any employment with PHA. PHA does not generally act as a sponsor for work visas.

Background checking

All prospective and current staff are required to undergo an applicable Background Check for their new position. The baseline requirements for background checks at PHA are reference checking, identity and qualification verification, declaration of pre-existing health conditions, a National Police Check, as well as a work rights check for applicants who do not hold Australian citizenship or permanent residency.

All appointments are dependent and conditional upon the required Background Checking being completed, and/or the relevant supporting evidence provided to PHA People and Culture in order to complete the checks.

To apply

Please apply online by providing your up-to-date CV/resume, along with a brief, one-page cover letter, outlining your suitability for this role by referring to the required key capabilities, experience and qualifications in the Position Description.

Please note: We do not accept applications submitted via email.

Applications close 5pm (AEDT) Friday, 28 November 2025.

Next steps

Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be notified no later than Friday, 5 December 2025 and interviews will be conducted on 10-11 December 2025.

From time to time, PHA is interested in suitably qualified graduates as vacancies arise.