Chief Financial Officer

Elite Executive; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected Indigenous organization in Cairns is looking for a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead financial management and strategy. The successful candidate will oversee financial operations, provide advice to the CEO and Board, and manage diverse teams. This role offers opportunity for impact on community outcomes and requires CA/CPA qualification. Competitive remuneration package included.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package

Work in Cairns

Opportunity to make a genuine difference

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership experience in finance, strategy, and governance.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience managing diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all financial operations, reporting, and compliance.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the CEO and Board.
• Manage budgets, audits, governance obligations, and contracts.
• Drive continuous improvement of financial management systems.

Skills

Leadership in finance

Stakeholder engagement

Financial strategy

Governance

Education

CA/CPA qualification

Tools

MYOB

Job description

About the Company

The Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC) represents the Traditional Owners of the Groote Archipelago, a culturally rich region in the Gulf of Carpentaria. With a vision to protect and promote Anindilyakwa culture, invest in a self-sufficient future, and create pathways for youth, the ALC plays a critical role in land and sea management, economic development, and community growth.

Guided by strong values – respect, honesty, pride, and unity, the ALC operates as a statutory authority under the Commonwealth, advocating for the rights and aspirations of the Anindilyakwa people.

About the Role

Elite Executive is proud to partner with the ALC to recruit a highly experienced and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in the governance, financial management, and long-term sustainability of one of Australia’s most unique Indigenous organisations.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CFO will lead the financial strategy and management of the organisation, ensuring robust systems, compliance, and transparency. You will provide high-level advice to the CEO and Board, oversee a dedicated finance team, and play a critical role in supporting the ALC’s strategic and community-focused initiatives.

This role is based in Cairns, with travel to Groote Eylandt as required, and offers the chance to contribute to meaningful, long-term outcomes for Traditional Owners while shaping the financial future of a respected Indigenous organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all financial operations, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the CEO, Audit Committee, and Board.
• Manage budgets, audits, governance obligations, and contractual requirements.
• Ensure the effective distribution of royalties and rents.
• Drive continuous improvement of financial management systems and processes.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team to achieve organisational goals.
• Build and maintain strong external relationships with auditors, government agencies, financial institutions, and key stakeholders.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will be a qualified CA/CPA with proven senior leadership experience in finance, strategy, and governance. You will have excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, the ability to deliver strategic advice in complex environments, and experience managing diverse teams.

An understanding of Indigenous organisations, culture, and community engagement is highly desirable. Experience with MYOB will also be well regarded.

Benefits

• A rare leadership role with impact on cultural, social, and economic outcomes.
• The opportunity to guide the long-term financial sustainability of the ALC.
• Work in Cairns, with the chance to travel and connect with Traditional Owners on Groote Eylandt.
• Competitive remuneration package and the chance to make a genuine difference.

How to apply

Elite Executive is exclusively managing the search for this pivotal leadership role on behalf of ALC. As regional executive search specialists, we are committed to supporting candidates throughout the process, including relocation advice, community integration, and cultural onboarding.

Apply via the provided link with a cover letter and updated resume. Shortlisted candidates will be sent a candidate information pack. For a confidential discussion, contact 07 4088 1571.

Closing date for applications will be 1700hrs Friday 17th October 2025.

Elite Executive reserves the right to conclude this process before the scheduled closing date.

Please note that all communication with Elite Executive is maintained strictly confidential. No information will be forwarded to any party without your permission as we respect your right to explore employment opportunities.

At Elite Executive we are committed to creating inclusive workplaces that promote and value diversity and inclusion. We encourage and welcome people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply.

ONLY APPLICANTS WITH THE RIGHT TO WORK IN AUSTRALIA WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE