Organisation: Department of Social Services Finance and Services Group
Job Title: Director
Word Limit: One page per criterion
Location: Tuggeranong Office Park, Greenway – ACT
Shapes strategic thinking
Working at senior levels in Assistant Director roles for the past four years, I have been actively
involved in identifying the requirements of future organisational capability and have contributed
to the consequent development of strategic plans. I have excellent skills in harnessing information
and opportunities, supporting shared visions, and am able to think both operationally and
strategically while demonstrating judgement, intelligence and common sense.
During my time as Assistant Director for the Social Policy Division within the Budget Group for the
Department of Finance, I contributed to business improvement initiatives that focused on
streamlining the business process for departmental Agency Advisory Units (AAUs). Working
collaboratively with my team, I led a two-year project that would enable the automation of
finance costing agreements, whilst tracking new policy proposals through the Integrated New
Policy and Costing Tracker (INPACT). During the planning stages, we faced many challenges as this
was the first time that an automated system had been implemented. As the deputy lead for
business requirements, I demonstrated the ability to respond to ongoing changes in requirements
in a positive and strategic manner, communicating the changing vision to stakeholder groups, and
championing the way forward. In order to achieve this, I evaluated the long-term benefits of the
automated system and ensured that all stakeholders were well aware of how it would facilitate
improved operational outcomes. In order to maintain focus for the stakeholder groups throughout
the change process, I created a positive workplace culture through clearly communicating the
vision and explaining the strategic benefits to all stakeholders involved. This assisted with
maintaining a sense of purpose, even when we faced resistance to the changes, and resulted in
the gain of support from executive managers to implement the system. As a result, INPACT was
successfully released, providing the AAUs with a number of benefits, including the luxury of
retrieving previous costing agreements with the touch of a button. These new simple and
automated processes significantly increased operational efficiency as manual processes were cut
down. Through my effective steering of the strategic vision for the Division, the team received a
Secretary’s Award in recognition of our effective implementation of INPACT and ability to
strategically improve the performance delivery for the Department of Finance.
Throughout my career, I have developed the ability to think strategically, evaluate situations from
a strategic perspective and follow through by making effective and long-term strategic decisions.
My ability to shape strategic thinking within an organisation is demonstrated by my practical
experience in analysing an organisation’s business position and how it can gain a competitive
advantage, analysing different models to achieve this and managing the processes by which the
chosen strategies are implemented. This was demonstrated during my time as a member of the
Social Services Advisory Unit where I utilised my expertise to align several policy papers with the
government’s priorities. The papers were developed by my team and focused on strategic savings
methods that could be achieved through modifying the rates of income support for the seniors
program. Although the policy papers were well written and justified how the savings would
achieve the desired outcome, I identified that they could be improved upon by adding content
that clearly aligned with governmental priorities. By doing so, each cost saving measure
recommendation brought together the purpose and direction of the government’s strategic vision,
whilst articulating the savings that would be achieved by the measures. As a result of my ability to
shape strategic thinking, the team’s written recommendations were commended by the
Department Secretary and were put forward to the Expenditure Review Committee for
consideration.
Achieves results
A self-motivated, results and achievement orientated professional, I take responsibility for
achieving outcomes, meeting targets, mentoring staff and providing advice, as well as leading by
example and devising ways to improve systems, procedures and standards. My experience in
Assistant Director roles has clearly demonstrated my ability to instil innovation and improvement,
whilst developing projects and procedures that have demanded the identification and use of
resources effectively to achieve desired results.
My strong record of success in a variety of settings throughout my career shows my capacity to
identify and harness resources, set direction and implement appropriate strategies. Fundamental
to my success within the roles that I have undertaken, is my essential ability to achieve results, as
demonstrated during my tenure with the Department of Finance. During this time, I verified my
commitment to the delivery of desired outcomes for the Department’s Budget Group through the
preparation of program analysis reports that monitored underspends and overspends of whole-of-
Government programs. The monthly analysis and subsequent reports allowed the Group to work
toward minimising Final Budget Outcome (FBO) variances by identifying changes at an early stage.
This in turn allowed Agency Advisory Units (AAUs) to revise estimates and provide options for
extrapolating figures through further analysis of end-of-year underspends or overspends for a
particular program. Consequently, they were in a position to provide whole-of-Government advice
on expenditure and program issues, and the financial implications of new program proposals, thus
contributing to the outcome of “sustainable Government finances”. My ability to achieve results
for the Department through the effective extrapolating of figures demonstrates my high-level
insight and creativity in using the best forecast methodology in order to obtain the most accurate
end-of-year figures.
Moreover, whilst working for the Department of Finance I worked with minimal guidance on most
of my workload which included negotiating many policy proposal costings agreements. This
included the achievement of well-justified costings for the Department of Human Services (DHS)
as part of the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) and budget submissions. During the
process, the Department of Finance did not agree with the departmental costings provided by DHS
for their funding proposals. Harnessing my expertise, I liaised with the AAU Director on behalf of
DHS to explain my rationale for the costs of the proposal and why the Department was not able to
reduce the funding that DHS was seeking. Through the provision of a robust and thorough
explanation of the Department’s position based on my knowledge of the program and facts
provided by departmental stakeholders, I was able to gain agreement from the AAU Director. This
led to my Director acknowledging my firm stand and praising me for my willingness to achieve
results.
As a leader, I demonstrate a passion for consistently meeting at or above the desired level of
results. Throughout my career, I have always shown a commitment to continuous improvement,
whilst maintaining focus, intensity and drive. As these examples verify, I have successfully
managed situations where I have experienced significant challenges, and have been able
effectively and efficiently manage the situation. My success has resulted from my innate ability to
be cognisant of the required results at all time, thus enabling me to provide high levels of
stakeholder satisfaction.
Cultivates productive working relationships
Demonstrating myself to be an active team member, I have been instrumental in contributing to
exceptional teams through building trust, thus resulting in enhanced productivity. Possessing high-
level interpersonal skills, I am innovative in networking, building effective working relationships,
and developing strong stakeholder partnerships. My success at cultivating productive working
relationships can be attributed to taking ownership of relationships and the sustainment of
business networks. Moreover, I take a long-term view of relationships and have been successful in
using enduring relationships as leverage when cooperation has been required.
By treating my colleagues and stakeholders with respect and courtesy, regardless of their position
or stature, I effectively foster a supportive working environment. My enjoyment in working
collaboratively has been consistently demonstrated throughout my career where I have worked
effectively in team environments to achieve common goals. In all of my previous roles, I have been
dedicated and willing to take responsibility for tasks whilst supporting my colleagues, particularly
when the team is experiencing increased or competing priorities. For example, within my current
role as Assistant Director of Costings within the Financial Management Group for the Department
of Human Services, I will assist my team with priority external costing requests that often have a
turnaround of 24 hours. Even though I am in a high-level supervisory position, I am prepared to do
what it takes by liaising with the Information Technology Department and other related
stakeholders in order to source relevant data for costings to contribute toward the brief. By taking
this hands-on and collaborative approach, the team can be sure that all deadlines will be met. My
contributions and achievements have been recognised and appreciated by my team and Team
Leader as a result of my willingness to take on additional responsibilities.
Within any working environment, I value the importance of cultivating productive working
relationships in order to increase the productive edge of the employees. As such, I have ensured
to nurture both internal and external relationships in order to foster cooperation and future
opportunities. For example, while working on costings, estimates, briefs and other ad hoc tasks as
part of the budget process for the Education and Employment Agency Advisory Units (AAUs), I
assisted my colleagues within the Social Services Department with technical accounting issues.
Honing my strong accounting and financial expertise and experience in the central budget
management system that they were using, I was able to assist the team with validating their
estimate adjustments and reconciliation reports. This example clearly demonstrates my ability to
cultivate relationships through my willingness to assist colleagues irrespective of the teams that
we work within.
With a longstanding career with the Australian Public Service, I have been afforded the
opportunity to develop strong interpersonal skills through my experience working with colleagues
from diverse age groups and cultural backgrounds. This has strengthened my relationship building
skills and has garnered my abilities as an effective leader. Through building trust and mutual
respect with my colleagues, I am confident that I am leading a motivated and enthusiastic
workforce that demonstrates their dedication to their roles. This has been evidenced through staff
members who have submitted their resignation, however remain committed until the last day
before they leave. Moreover, staff are willing to approach me if they are facing issues and less
experienced staff in particular, seek my guidance and advice on costing processes, estimate
updating processes and budget framework policies. I welcome this supportive and mentoring role
and the opportunities that it has presented in contribution to my career success.
Exemplifies personal drive and integrity
As an Australian Public Service (APS) professional, I exemplify the highest standards of
professionalism and probity. My persona reflects the APS Values and Code of Conduct
unequivocally, and my actions are frank, honest and timely. At all times, I demonstrate public
service professionalism with integrity and impartially within the boundaries of organisational
process and legal and public policy constraints. With a passionate commitment and interest in
Government finances and the budget process, my goal is to contribute to the betterment of
Australian society by making valuable contributions to costings and estimates process.
Within the high-pressure environment of the Budget Group for the Department of Finance, I
developed a strong record of achievement for delivering high quality and timely outcomes whilst
upholding the APS values and code of conduct. An example of this was demonstrated when I
worked extended hours during the estimate validation process in order to ensure that outcomes
were achieved in accordance with the budget time frame. Due to confusion regarding timelines
and estimate adjustment advice, I showed initiative and proactively stepped in to liaise with the
Budget Analysis Branch (BAB), acting as a communication channel with my division and the
agencies with the advice gained from the BAB. Taking personal responsibility for meeting the
objectives and progressing the work, I further assisted the agencies by performing quality
assurance measures on their budget documents and Portfolio Budget Statements. In instances
where the agencies were reluctant to take, or challenged my advice, I dealt with the situation in a
professional and calm manner, clearly explaining my rationale behind my approach to ensure that
I gained their understanding and agreement. As a result of my energy and drive to see that all
goals were achieved, the Budget Group was successful in producing robust estimates that
reflected a true position of the Department within all time constraints.
By using the APS Code of Conduct as a guide as to how to effectively perform my role on a day-to-
day basis, I demonstrate my commitment to APS Values, whilst demonstrating unwavering
exemplified personal drive and integrity. This includes accountability for the department that I am
representing, customers and to the general community, maintaining the highest ethical standards,
ensuring a workplace free of harassment, in addition to consistently maintaining safe work
practices. With a clear and broad insight of the APS, I can easily implement departmental policies
and uphold departmental standards. This was demonstrated in an instance where I was
contributing as a panel member in an APS6 merit selection process. Many of the candidates were
well known to me as I had worked with them in the past. However, I was able to demonstrate
impartiality and fairness through the application of the APS Values and Code of Conduct by
ensuring that all personal opinions and viewpoints were not considered as part of the process.
Demonstrating my self-awareness and a commitment to personal development, I successfully
completed my Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) qualifications in 2012, including electives of
Advanced Taxation and Advanced Auditing. This, combined with the technical accounting focus
that I gained from my university qualifications, has equipped me with an understanding of the
dynamic issues facing organisations in a global marketplace. As such, I have utilised this knowledge
and understanding to assist me with performing my various Government roles to a high level.
Moreover, I have taken it upon myself to become a member of the Climate Markets and
Investment Association (CMIA). This membership has provided me with expertise and knowledge
regarding the development of cost-effective and market based solutions that address climate
change and resource scarcity which has been of great assistance when providing advice to
Government stakeholders.
Communicates clearly
A confident and experienced communicator, I have had consistent success throughout my career
in conveying messages and reaching my audience. Whether it is one-on-one communication with a
colleague, presenting a brief to senior management, delivering training, or communicating in
writing, I am able to adapt my style to the needs of my audience, ensuring that messages are
presented in a clear, concise and articulate manner. The key to my success at communicating
clearly is my ability to adapt information appropriate to my audience and translate information for
others using appropriate language, pitched at the correct technical level and delivered in the most
appropriate medium for maximum results.
In the roles that I have undertaken with the Agency Advisory Unit (AAU), I demonstrated high
levels of clear, concise and effective written and oral communication on a daily basis. Additionally,
within my current role as Assistant Director for the Costings team of the Financial Management
Group for the Department of Human Services, I have been required to communicate extensively
with the Chief Financial Officers from various AAUs regarding technical accounting issues, estimate
adjustment advice and costings. On a daily basis, I also write ministerial and secretarial briefs
which require extremely high levels of clear and effective communication. These skills are
particularly demonstrated during the budget process, where I have written many ministerial
briefings which have required clear and concise writing within strict timeframes. The purpose of
the briefings is to inform Government Ministers of reasonable estimates of the service delivery
impact on policy proposals. As such, it is imperative that the information that I include contains
clear and concise explanations and justifications to enable the Government to make appropriately
informed decisions. Furthermore, my ability to communicate clearly in writing is demonstrated
within my current role when writing costings briefs to the Secretary of the Department when I
have identified that costings are above a certain threshold.
Throughout my career in the Australian Public Service, I have assumed a high level of responsibility
in Assistant Director roles that has demanded exceptional communication when undertaking staff
training and mentoring. As a member of the Costings team, and with several years of experience
within a central agency, I have utilised my expertise to conduct educational presentations
regarding the budget process and the operational rules underpinning the framework. My
presentations were highly appraised by my colleagues and I received commendation by my
Director in my performance appraisal. Furthermore, within my previous role at the Department of
Finance, I successfully delivered a presentation to Assistant Secretaries that focused on
understanding departmental capital budgets (DCB) during the 2010-11 budget process. This was a
new concept that was introduced as part of Operation Sunlight. Utilising my effective
communication skills, I was able to relay the technical concepts of DCB in plain and
understandable English to ensure that the Assistant Secretaries clearly understood the logic
behind the technical aspects.
My oral communication skills have been used and developed extensively through verbal
conversations, principally by telephone and face-to-face meetings with a variety of stakeholders
and line agencies. Within my current role, I frequently encounter challenging situations within the
Department where stakeholders demand rapid responses and justifications as to why their costing
assumptions were scaled down or omitted. In these instances, I demonstrate my ability to
maintain a calm, logical and respectful communication approach, all of which are essential
requirements for satisfying the Department’s expectations and maintain positive stakeholder
relations.
