Chief Financial Officer
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
Canberra | Executive Leadership Opportunity (EL2)
Lead finance, risk, procurement and legal for one of Australia's most innovative cultural institutions
Shape the next phase of growth, audience development and commercial opportunity
An exceptional CFO opportunity for a strategic, curious and hands-on finance leader
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) is the custodian of Australia's audiovisual memory, preserving and sharing the stories, sounds and moving images that define our nation. Having recently completed a significant phase of digital transformation, including a major national digitisation program, new digital platforms and upgraded systems, the NFSA is entering an exciting new chapter focused on audience growth, commercial opportunity, strategic partnerships and long-term sustainability.
To support this next stage of evolution, the NFSA is seeking an outstanding Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Reporting to the Deputy CEO and working as a trusted member of the Senior Executive Team, the CFO will lead the organisation's finance function while also overseeing risk, procurement and legal services. Beyond stewardship and governance, this role will play a critical advisory role across the organisation, helping leaders better understand performance, identify opportunities and make informed, evidence-based decisions.
This is not a traditional government finance role. The NFSA is looking for a CFO who is naturally curious, commercially aware and analytically minded. Someone who enjoys understanding not just what the numbers are saying, but why. A leader who can connect financial performance with strategy, audience growth, partnerships, technology investment and organisational impact.
Key priorities will include:
Continuing the modernisation of financial systems, reporting and analytics.
Improving financial insight and decision-making capability across the organisation.
Supporting the development of new revenue and partnership opportunities.
Leading business case development and investment evaluation.
Partnering with executives and the Board to deliver clear, credible and compelling financial narratives.
Building greater visibility of cost drivers, performance metrics and organisational outcomes.
You may already be a CFO seeking a role with purpose and impact, or an accomplished senior finance executive ready to step into your first CFO appointment. This opportunity is likely to appeal to leaders who combine technical excellence with commercial insight, strategic thinking and a genuine desire to contribute beyond the finance function. Importantly, you will bring sound technical credentials, strong business judgement and a collaborative leadership style.
Success in this role will come from balancing strategic thinking with a willingness to roll up your sleeves. The NFSA's executive team values initiative, practicality, intellectual curiosity and a shared commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes.
Tertiary qualifications in accounting or related discipline are essential. CPA or CA qualifications are highly desirable.
Experience may be drawn from the private or public sector, including government agencies, media, technology, professional services, cultural institutions or other complex stakeholder environments. APS experience is welcomed but is not essential.
The role is based in Canberra. Applicants must be Australian citizens and be eligible to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Baseline Security Clearance.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Bronwen Kerr of Watermark Search International on (02) 9233 1200.
Please send your application to Watermark Search International quoting Ref No. A006473 via this link.
Applications close: Monday 17 August 2026 at 11.59pm AEST
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