Conference Manager

CPA Australia; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

CPA Australia is seeking a commercially minded conference leader to own and grow a diverse portfolio of conferences and congresses. You will drive end‑to‑end planning, content development, financial performance and delivery across face‑to‑face, virtual and hybrid formats, collaborating with senior stakeholders, sponsors and speakers to deliver market‑leading programs for members.

You will lead the team, manage budgets, forecast performance and use insights to continuously improve outcomes,

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing conferences, congresses or large‑scale professional events.
• Strong conference production, content development and stakeholder management expertise.
• Proven leadership experience, including coaching and developing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, development and delivery of CPA Australia's conference and congress portfolio.
• Curate compelling programs that bring together industry trends, thought leaders and engaging learning experiences.
• Identify, engage and manage high-profile speakers, sponsors and industry partners.
• Oversee event logistics including venues, technology, registrations, travel and onsite delivery.
• Manage budgets, forecasting and commercial performance to achieve sustainable outcomes.
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing conference team.
• Drive continuous improvement through performance analysis, stakeholder feedback and industry insights.

Job description

You will take ownership of a diverse portfolio of conferences and congresses, leading end-to-end planning, content development, financial performance and event delivery. You'll work closely with senior stakeholders, industry experts, sponsors and speakers to create innovative, market-leading programs that engage members and support organisational objectives. This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future of professional learning experiences while driving strong commercial and member outcomes across face-to-face, virtual and hybrid events.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the planning, development and delivery of CPA Australia's conference and congress portfolio.
• Curate compelling programs that bring together industry trends, thought leaders and engaging learning experiences.
• Identify, engage and manage high-profile speakers, sponsors and industry partners.
• Oversee event logistics including venues, technology, registrations, travel and onsite delivery.
• Manage budgets, forecasting and commercial performance to achieve sustainable outcomes.
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing conference team.
• Drive continuous improvement through performance analysis, stakeholder feedback and industry insights.

About you

You are a commercially minded conference or events leader with a passion for creating outstanding experiences. You bring:

• Significant experience managing conferences, congresses or large-scale professional events.
• Strong conference production, content development and stakeholder management expertise.
• Proven leadership experience, including coaching and developing teams.
• Excellent project management, negotiation and communication skills.
• Sound financial management and budgeting capability.
• Experience within membership, professional services, education or association environments will be highly regarded.

Why We Love Working at CPA Australia

At CPA Australia, we’re proud of our vibrant, values-led culture. We live by our core values: Create Opportunity, Pursue Excellence, and Achieve Together—and they shape everything we do.

Here’s what makes working here special:

• Inclusive culture – We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.
• People-first culture – Work alongside passionate, like-minded professionals who strive to be their best.
• Hybrid flexibility – Enjoy the balance of working from home and in the office (minimum two days onsite).
• Wellbeing matters – Access health and wellbeing sessions, learning labs, and a generous reward and recognition program.
• Supportive benefits – Paid parental, volunteer, and study leave, plus the option to purchase additional leave.
• Career growth – Take advantage of learning and professional development opportunities.
• Global mindset – Be part of a truly international organisation with over 20 offices around the world.
• Incentives that reward you – Participate in our annual incentive scheme.
• Fast-paced and purpose-driven – Thrive in a dynamic environment where your work makes a difference to our members and the profession.

About Us

CPA Australia is Australia’s leading professional accounting body and one of the largest in the world. We have more than 175,000 members in over 100 countries and regions. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes.

We are values-based organisation underpinned by the CPA Australia Way, which is our commitment to each other and a way of working. It is the foundation of our success, experienced and lived by our people, and felt by members.

To learn more about CPA Australia and other opportunities, please visit our Careers page at https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/about-cpa-australia/work-with-us/careers