Chief Financial Officer

Marcus Oldham College; Geelong; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Employee assistance program

Daily lunch

Remuneration package negotiable

Job summary

Marcus Oldham College in Geelong invites applications for a Chief Financial Officer to join the management team on-site at the Waurn Ponds campus. This senior role oversees financial planning, governance, risk management and reporting.

Reporting to the Principal, the CFO will lead day-to-day finance, support strategic projects, and work with a small team to improve systems and internal controls. The ideal candidate holds a degree in accounting/finance with CPA/CA and proven experience in

Qualifications

• Senior financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
• Strong governance, risk, accounting standards, audit and regulatory knowledge (AU).
• High integrity, confidentiality and sound judgement.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small team and manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Provide financial analysis and advice to Principal, Council and committees.
• Oversee accounting, payroll, student fees, payables/receivables and financial systems.
• Manage governance, internal controls, audits, compliance and risk reporting.
• Oversee finance projects, infrastructure developments and business improvements.
• Mentor the Finance Officer and collaborate with College managers.

Skills

Governance & risk

Audit & compliance

Accounting standards

Education

Degree in Accounting/Finance/Commerce

CPA or CA qualification

Job description

Marcus Oldham is a leading Australian agricultural college, specialising in undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in Business, with a targeted focus on Australian agriculture and agribusiness.

The College strongly values the contribution of professionals who bring extensive commercial and industry experience, sound business judgement and a collaborative approach to their work. As a specialist higher education institution, we offer a unique working environment where staff have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the College’s operations, strategic direction and long-term sustainability.

This is a genuine senior role that actually has work-life balance (8.30-4.30pm).

THE ROLE:

We are seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our management team, based onsite at our Geelong (Waurn Ponds) Campus.

Reporting directly to the Principal, this senior position is responsible for the financial and business management of the College, including financial planning, reporting, governance, compliance and risk management.

Working within a small and collaborative team, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to contribute to a broad range of College activities, including business improvement, infrastructure and development projects, while leading the day-to-day finance function.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead the College’s financial planning and management activities, including annual budgets, forecasting, cash flow management and financial reporting.

Provide clear, practical financial analysis and advice to the Principal, Council and relevant committees to support strategic and operational decision-making.

Oversee financial operations, including accounting, payroll financial assurance, student fees, accounts payable and receivable, and financial systems.

Manage financial and corporate governance, internal controls, auditing, regulatory compliance and financial and commercial risk and statutory reporting.

Provide financial and commercial oversight of College projects, infrastructure developments, property matters and business improvement initiatives.

Identify opportunities to improve financial systems, reporting practices and operational efficiencies.

Lead and support the Finance Officer and work collaboratively with managers across the College to promote sound financial management and accountability.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

A degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or a related discipline, together with CPA, CA or an equivalent recognised professional accounting qualification.

Demonstrated experience in a senior financial management role, including responsibility for budgets, forecasting, financial reporting and financial operations.

Strong understanding of financial governance, risk management, accounting standards, audit processes and relevant Australian regulatory and taxation obligations.

High standards of professional integrity, confidentiality, accountability and sound judgement.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a small team environment, manage competing priorities and contribute positively to broader organisational objectives.

Experience in corporate governance, company secretarial responsibilities, or the not-for-profit or education sectors will be highly regarded.

BENEFITS

Opportunity to work with a passionate and committed team of professionals and educators in a unique higher education environment.

A senior management position with direct involvement in the strategic and operational direction of the College.

A broad and varied role with the opportunity to contribute to business improvement, development projects and the long-term sustainability of the organisation.

A collaborative working environment where professional expertise, initiative and practical solutions are valued.

Salary Packaging, Employee Assistance Program and Daily Lunch are provided.

An attractive remuneration package and other benefits will be negotiated to reflect the successful candidate’s skills and experience.

Please note, applicants must have full rights to work in Australia; sponsorship is not available for this role.

Important Information for Applicants:

Marcus Oldham College is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive learning and working environment. In accordance with our obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence, successful applicants will be required to complete pre-employment declarations relating to fitness for work, criminal history and any previous or current investigations or findings relating to gender-based violence. Employment will also be subject to satisfactory pre-employment screening, including a National Police Check and, where applicable, a Working with Children Check.