Business Performance & Commercial Analyst

Mansfield & Co Recruitment; South Australia; Hybrid; AUD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ForestrySA, based in the scenic Kuitpo Forest, is seeking a hands-on finance professional to shape its growth strategy. Reporting to the CFO, you will develop financial models, perform commercial analysis and build business cases for new opportunities.

You will work closely with operational managers and leadership to turn insights into action, with hybrid work options (1–2 days WFH) and a collaborative culture that supports innovation and growth.

Qualifications

• CA or CPA qualified finance professional with commercial experience.
• Strong financial modelling and Excel skills with ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Experience creating business cases, commercial evaluations and performance reporting.

Responsibilities

• Develop financial models, business cases and commercial evaluations for new initiatives.
• Analyse financial and operational performance to identify opportunities and improvements.
• Prepare cost-benefit analyses, forecasts and scenario modelling for planning.
• Develop dashboards and KPIs to support management decisions.
• Collaborate with managers across the business to surface commercial opportunities.
• Support strategic projects and process improvements to boost efficiency.

Skills

Financial modelling

Advanced Excel

Business case development

Power BI

Commercial analysis

Stakeholder management

Education

CA or CPA qualification

Tools

Power BI

Job description

A newly created, hands-on commercial role where your analysis and insights will help shape the future of ForestrySA.

• Newly created role with commercial influence and exposure to growth initiatives
• Join a collaborative team with an ambitious agenda for growth and innovation
• Stunning Kuitpo Forest location, with hybrid working options (1-2 days WFH)

Who's hiring?

ForestrySA is a unique South Australian organisation with a lot more happening behind the scenes than you might expect!

Managing some of South Australia's most beautiful forests, ForestrySA's operations span commercial forestry, conservation, tourism, recreation and community education. From sustainable timber production to walking and mountain biking trails, campgrounds and school education programs, their work is incredibly diverse.

With an ambitious growth agenda and plenty of exciting opportunities on the horizon, it's a great time to join the business.

The office location is pretty special too! Based in the beautiful Kuitpo Forest, you'll be surrounded by stunning scenery and wildlife, with the opportunity to enjoy a forest walk on your lunch break.

So, what's the role?

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this newly created position will play an important role in supporting ForestrySA's growth plans and improving commercial decision-making across the business.

It's a hands-on, commercially focused role where you'll work closely with operational managers and the leadership team, providing the financial modelling, analysis and insights needed to assess opportunities, develop business cases and improve business performance.

You'll be involved in a broad range of projects and initiatives, with plenty of variety and the opportunity to make a genuine contribution.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing financial models, business cases and commercial evaluations to support new initiatives and investment decisions.
• Analysing financial and operational performance, identifying trends, opportunities and areas for improvement.
• Preparing cost-benefit analyses, forecasts and scenario modelling to support business planning.
• Developing meaningful performance reports, dashboards and KPIs to support management decisions.
• Working closely with managers across the business to understand operational challenges and identify commercial opportunities.
• Supporting strategic projects, process improvements and initiatives designed to improve efficiency and business performance.
• Preparing commercial insights and recommendations for the CFO, leadership team and Board.

What are we looking for?

We're looking for a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys getting into the detail, solving problems and working closely with people across a business.

Ideally, you'll be CA or CPA qualified, with experience in commercial analysis, financial modelling, business case development or a similar commercially focused finance role.

You’ll bring:

• Strong financial modelling and advanced Excel skills, with the ability to analyse complex information and develop practical recommendations.
• Experience preparing business cases, commercial evaluations and performance reporting.
• Well-developed analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to build relationships across all levels of a business.
• A proactive, resourceful approach – you're comfortable asking questions, seeking out information and working through challenges.
• The flexibility and adaptability to thrive in an evolving environment where priorities and opportunities may change.

Experience with Power BI would be advantageous, although it's not essential.

Just as importantly, you'll be personable, curious and collaborative. You'll enjoy getting out from behind your desk, understanding how different parts of the business operate and working with others to achieve great outcomes.

What's in it for you?

There's a lot to like about this opportunity. You'll be joining a supportive, collaborative team at a time when ForestrySA is looking to grow, innovate and explore new commercial opportunities.

As a newly created position, there's genuine scope to make the role your own, contribute ideas and have a direct impact on business decisions.

You’ll also enjoy a unique working environment at Kuitpo Forest, with the flexibility to work from home one to two days per week.