Financial Analyst | Spark North East Link

About North East Link
The Spark Consortium has been selected to deliver the Central Package of the North East Link Project - Victoria's biggest road project.
The Spark Consortium's Design and Construction Contractor - which comprises Webuild, CPB Contractors, GS Engineering and Construction and China Construction Oceania - will deliver the twin three-lane tunnels and key interchanges for the project.
The Central Package will be delivered as a Public Private Partnership and provides three-lane twin tunnels that will close the missing link in Melbourne's freeway network from the M80 Ring Road to an upgraded Eastern Freeway, reducing journey times and diverting heavy vehicles away from local roads. Up to 135,000 vehicles will use North East Link every day, reducing congestion in the north-east while maintaining local roads.
About the Opportunity
As a Financial Planning Manager reporting into the Financial Director, you will play a critical role in forward planning, financial analysis, and contributing to the financial strategy of SPARK NEL. This position requires a proactive and forward-thinking individual with a keen eye for financial trends and patterns. The successful candidate will work autonomously, engaging in detailed financial planning, analysis, and effective communication with key senior figures on the largest infrastructure project in Australia.
This role will be accountable for:

• Coordinate with the Finance Director and the executive team on long-term financial planning.
• Proactively engage in forward planning activities, anticipating future financial needs and challenges.
• Contribute to the development of long-term financial strategies to support the organization's growth.
• Conduct in-depth financial analysis, thinking outside the box and providing forward-looking insights.
• Utilize financial data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.
• Build and maintain a strong working relationship with key internal and external stakeholders
• Analysis of reports for Clients (State, PCo), JV Partners, and JV Management.
• Variance analysis - Compare anticipated and actual results.
• Lead the development and maintenance of monthly and quarterly budgets and forecasts, ensuring accuracy and alignment with organizational goals.
• Coordinate and prepare full project life Financial Forecast statements - Income statement, Cashflow and Balance sheet.
• Participate in budgeting (for departments and projects).
• Address ad hoc financial issues promptly, providing solutions and recommendations.
• Manage hyper-escalations, particularly with state and financial claims, ensuring timely resolution.
• Prepare and deliver boardroom presentations outlining the future state of financial affairs.
• Identify opportunities to claim extra funding from the state and clients to support strategic initiatives.
• Build and maintain a strong working relationship with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Work autonomously to prioritize and manage workload effectively, meeting tight deadlines.
• Demonstrate a high level of initiative in addressing financial challenges.
• Understand and meet the specific financial requirements of key senior stakeholders involved in SPARK.
• Challenge the status quo and look at new ways of working with the key leadership teams on NEL
• Serve as an excellent communicator, conveying complex financial information in a clear and concise manner.
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, develop relationships quickly.
• Follow the money trail, investigate discrepancies, and maintain a curious mindset to uncover financial insights.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and policies.
• Leverage and optimize financial systems to streamline processes and enhance reporting capabilities.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and advancements in financial technologies.

Minimum requirements for this role are:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Professional qualifications in accounting or finance are preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working directly with directors or heads of finance departments.
• Strong analytical and planning skills with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Experience with End of Period (EOP) core financial items.
• Proficiency in financial software and systems.

What we offer:

• Monthly social events
• Reward and recognition program
• Flexible working arrangements
• Strong culture charter
• Ongoing career support and development opportunities

If these opportunities are of interest to you, please click on the 'Apply now' button to register your interest and please also subscribe to 'Job Alerts' to be notified of upcoming opportunities with SPARK.
Whilst we are keen to hear from candidates with proven infrastructure project experience or experience working for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 Contractor to be a part of an iconic construction project in Melbourne, Victoria, we also will consider applicants who are seeking to enter or re-enter the industry.
SPARK is committed to equal employment opportunity (EEO) and actively seeks to remove barriers people may face in gaining a successful position on the North East Link Central Package. We value diversity, inclusion and equity through providing a working environment where all employees feel included, valued, and free to bring their different skills, experiences and perspectives.