SME Chief Financial Officer

Clearwater Partners; Queensland; Remote; AUD 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Chief Financial Officer for a PE-backed asset in the Education sector. The role includes managing finance functions, driving strategic performance, and fostering relationships with banks and investors. Candidates based in Queensland or fully remote on the East Coast are welcome. Flexibility is offered for both full-time and part-time arrangements.

Qualifications

• Experience in a CFO position or equivalent finance leadership role.
• Proficient in managing cash flow and audits.
• Ability to foster strong relationships with banks and investors.

Responsibilities

• Drive performance of the company as a strategic partner to the CEO.
• Manage day-to-day finance functions focusing on cash management.
• Prepare financial statements and ensure compliance.
• Ensure legal compliance on all financial functions.
• Foster relationships with banks and investors.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting for board-ready insights.

Skills

Strong finance-based analytical skills

Strong leadership skills

Ability to work productively with a largely remote based global team

Team leadership

Board reporting

Education

MBA preferred

10 years of experience in finance leadership roles

Job description

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Clearwater Partners is leading the search on behalf of a PE‑backed asset in the Education sector to appoint their next Chief Financial Officer. The company is headquartered in Australia with significant revenues generated from overseas, including the US markets. The CFO will partner closely with the CEO, Board and management team to drive performance, focusing on both top‑line growth and competent financial management to increase underlying profitability.

The CFO also looks after a small team managing day‑to‑day activities including AP, AR and payroll, financial reporting, audit process, compliance, bank relationships and stringent cash flow management. The position includes budgeting and forecasting and ensuring accurate and insightful analysis when compiling board reports to aid future decision making.

This position is seen as a strategic partner to the CEO, providing useful financial insights into growth verticals, evaluating new segments/markets and fostering closer connections with current customers. There is flexibility on how this role is shaped given the CEO is based in the U.S. The company is open to candidates based in QLD (office location) but will consider fully remote candidates on the East Coast, including both full‑time and part‑time working arrangements depending on the seniority of the candidate.

Responsibilities

• Strategic partner to the CEO to drive performance of the company
• Manage all day‑to‑day aspects of the finance function with a focus on overseeing cash flow, cash management, working capital, and company audits
• Prepare financial statements and reports
• Ensure legal compliance on all financial functions
• Foster productive and strong relationships with banks
• Foster close relationships with investors

Qualifications

• Strong finance‑based analytical skills
• Strong leadership skills
• 10 years of experience in finance leadership roles with at least one CFO position
• MBA preferred but not required
• Ability to work productively with a largely remote based global team

If you are seeking an opportunity where there is flexibility depending on your circumstances then this could be the CFO opportunity for you. This position would suit a more junior CFO looking to enter the world of PE or a credentialed CFO looking for a 3 or 4 day a week arrangement.

Please reach out to Shaun Stevens, Director, who is leading this search mandate and will be managing the application process.