INTHEBLACK May 2026 - Magazine - Page 15
Experience across a range of
public-service portfolios has
helped Matt Yannopoulos FCPA
land the role of secretary at
the Department of Finance.
As part of his mandate to help
deliver the government’s agenda,
he draws on a leadership style
that has evolved from “directive”
to “highly collaborative”.
Internally, Yannopoulos wants
to ramp-up the use of AI,
as well as improve the financial
and accounting literacy
of departmental employees.
LEADERS AND INNOVATORS
On the
money
Matt Yannopoulos FCPA has risen to the top of the Australian Public Service
on the back of outstanding finance and technology skills, as well as a reputation
for getting things done.
Words Cameron Cooper
Photography Anthony Geernaert
FOR SOMEONE WHO IS PART
of the “Canberra bubble” where ambition
and politics often go together,
Matt Yannopoulos is a gratifying reminder
that nice guys do not always come last.
Late in 2025, Yannopoulos gained the
prized appointment of secretary of the
Department of Finance for a five-year term,
capping a journey from the lowest levels
of the public service to now being one
of Australia’s most senior and trusted
public-sector leaders.
Secretaries of the various public service
departments are answerable to relevant
government ministers and play a crucial role
in ensuring government agendas succeed.
The finance post, especially, is one for
leaders with an exceptional track record of
implementation, which is where Yannopoulos
comes in. His task is to oversee the nation’s
financial stewardship while sitting at the
intersection of policy, funding frameworks
and governmental decision-making.
What got him across the line?
intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au 15
