Director of Finance

Syncarpia Recruitment; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Cranbrook School in Sydney is seeking a Director of Finance to lead financial strategy, sustainability, and operational excellence across its campuses. You will shape budgeting, reporting, and investment priorities to support the School’s strategic objectives.

Reporting to the COO, you will oversee budgeting, capital investments, government funding, and financial reporting to the Finance Committee and ELT, while building a high-performing finance team.

Qualifications

• CA or CPA qualified and eligible for membership.
• Experience leading finance in multi-site environments is advantageous.
• Strong strategic planning and financial reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial strategy and operational excellence for the school.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial plans.
• Deliver reports to the Finance Committee and ELT.
• Lead capital investments and risk-adjusted spending.
• Ensure compliance with funding, reporting obligations, and governance.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards for financial health.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Financial reporting

Education

CA/CPA qualification

Job description

About Cranbrook School

Founded in 1918, Cranbrook School is a multi-campus Anglican independent day and boarding school for students in Pre-School to Year 12. In 2026, the School welcomed girls into Years 7 and 11, with full coeducation across the campus by 2029.

Guided by its enduring vision to be a world-class school that nurtures and enables every student to fulfil their potential and thrive, Cranbrook offers a values-led education enriched by academic excellence and extensive sporting and co-curricular opportunities. The School’s motto, esse quam videri – “to be, rather than to seem to be” – underpins its commitment to authenticity, character and service. This well-rounded educational approach provides an educational experience that celebrates each individual and prepares every Cranbrookian for a purposeful life of contribution within and beyond the School gates.

Overlooking Sydney Harbour and set on approximately 13 hectares in one of Sydney's most prestigious eastern suburbs, the School currently educates over 1,800 students across four campuses: two Pre-Schools – St Michael's and St Mark's – a Junior School campus in Rose Bay, and the Senior School Campus in Bellevue Hill. The School's two Boarding Houses provide care and accommodation for 75 students from Years 7 to 12.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Director of Finance is responsible for leading the financial strategy, sustainability, and operational excellence of the school. You will work closely with the COO, Executive Leadership Team (ELT), and staff across the organization, championing best practice and innovation in all aspects of financial management at both a strategic and operational level. Other key responsibilities will include:

• Support the COO in refining, developing, and implementing organisational structures, systems, and routines that ensure the efficient day-to-day operations of the school.
• Drive financial strategy and ensure robust oversight of all financial operations.
• Deliver financial reports, insights, and recommendations to the Finance Committee and ELT.
• Lead capital investment processes and strategic initiatives, including risk-adjusted investment strategies and capital expenditure oversight.
• Monitor government funding, compliance, and reporting obligations.
• Oversee budgeting, scenario modeling, and long‑term forecasts to support the School’s sustainability.
• Foster innovation and continuous improvement in financial systems and practices.
• Lead and develop the Finance Team.
• Manage stakeholder consultation, contracts, and negotiations for improved outcomes.
• Partner closely with the Chief Digital Information Officer to ensure the efficient management of school’s finances in regard to ICT.
• Develop and share Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with transparent dashboards to monitor financial health.
• Champion child safety, health, and compliance, ensuring adherence to all relevant policies and legislation.

Your Traits

You will be CA or CPA qualified, demonstrating diverse experience in financial leadership (education sector experience is advantageous but not essential). You will bring a strong strategic mindset and the ability to shape and execute long‑term financial plans aligned with the School’s overarching strategic objectives. Experience providing clear, insightful financial reporting and advice is essential. You will also foster financial literacy and accountability across departments. You will combine commercial acumen with strong interpersonal, communication and organisational skills, and have a genuine interest in the business, technical and practical aspects of school operations. You will have proven success in building and leading high‑performing teams and thrive in a multi‑site service delivery environment.