Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Callida; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Callida, a Canberra-based consulting firm, is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to lead the Finance team and shape the next growth phase. The role reports to the COO and collaborates with the Partner group to inform business strategy and modernise the Finance function with automation and AI.

The successful candidate will bring strong financial governance, commercial discipline and an analytical mindset, with a willingness to question existing approaches and deliver practical solutions across

Qualifications

• Senior finance leader with professional accounting designation (CA or CPA) and tertiary qualifications.
• Experience using automation, AI and data analytics to improve financial processes and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead Callida’s financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning.
• Provide clear financial and commercial advice to executive leadership.
• Deliver accurate reporting on revenue, profitability, cash flow, and performance.
• Oversee financial controls, auditing, governance and statutory reporting.
• Lead and develop the finance team and modernise systems with AI/automation.

Job description

Callida is a Canberra-based consulting firm helping government solve complex challenges across strategy and operations, policy and programs, digital transformation, data analytics, business systems improvement, financial advisory, procurement, project delivery, and cyber and technology risk.

We partner with governments and the private sector to navigate complex challenges and deliver practical, meaningful outcomes for our clients and the Australian community. Our work is underpinned by strong relationships, deep expertise and a commitment to quality.

Our purpose is to do work that enables our families, community and country to thrive. We bring this purpose to life through a people-first culture that values individuality, flexibility and collaboration while maintaining high expectations for performance and client outcomes.

About the role

Callida is seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking Chief Financial Officer to lead our Finance team and help shape the next phase of our growth. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with the Partner group, this is a senior role with the opportunity to inform business strategy, strengthen performance and modernise the way the Finance function operates.

The successful candidate will bring strong financial governance and commercial discipline, together with an analytical mindset and a genuine interest in using automation, artificial intelligence and contemporary technology to create a more efficient, insightful and future-focused Finance function.

About you

As an experienced senior finance leader, you will bring sound financial and commercial judgement and the ability to provide trusted advice at an executive level. A strong analytical mindset will enable you to test assumptions, interpret information from different sources and identify the factors influencing business performance.

As an experienced senior finance leader, you will bring sound financial and commercial judgement, relevant tertiary qualifications and a recognised professional accounting designation such as CA or CPA. You will be able to provide trusted advice at an executive level, test assumptions, interpret information from different sources and identify the factors influencing business performance.

Experience using automation, artificial intelligence, data analytics or other technology to improve financial processes, reporting and efficiency will be important. This will be balanced with an understanding of the controls required to maintain accuracy, protect data, and ensure appropriate oversight. Curiosity, sound judgement, and openness to new ideas will also be central to success in the role. The successful candidate will be willing to question existing approaches, identify opportunities for improvement and turn ideas into practical solutions.

Experience in consulting, professional services or another project-based environment will be highly regarded.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Callida’s financial strategy, annual budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning to support sustainable growth and informed decision-making.
• Provide clear, forward-looking financial and commercial advice to the Chief Operating Officer and Partner group.
• Deliver accurate and meaningful reporting on revenue, profitability, utilisation, pipeline, cash flow, costs and overall business performance.
• Analyse financial and operational data to identify trends, underlying performance drivers, risks and opportunities, supported by scenario modelling and predictive insights.
• Prepare and present high-quality financial dashboards, Board papers and financial presentations that translate complex information into clear recommendations and actions.
• Strengthen commercial discipline across pricing, tenders, contracting, project financial management, revenue recognition, invoicing and debtor management.
• Lead the responsible adoption of AI, automation and contemporary financial technologies to streamline processes, reduce manual effort and improve reporting and analysis.
• Maintain effective financial controls and ensure compliance with annual auditing, statutory reporting, governance and other applicable obligations.
• Oversee the integrity, security and scalability of Callida’s financial systems, processes and data.
• Lead, mentor and develop the Finance team, creating a proactive, collaborative and service-oriented function.

At Callida, you will work directly with the Chief Operating Officer, Partner group and Board, with the opportunity to influence decisions and help shape the future direction of a growing, independent Canberra consulting firm.

You will join a collaborative, people-first culture that values flexibility, practical thinking and high-quality outcomes. You will also have scope to modernise the Finance function through data, AI, automation and contemporary financial technology.