Director of Finance and Strategy

NT Christian Schools; Darwin; Presencial; AUD 180.000 - 240.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Competitive remuneration

Professional development opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Staff discounts on school fees

Descripción de la vacante

NT Christian Schools in Darwin, NT is seeking a strategic Director of Finance and Strategy to lead all financial operations, planning, and business development across our campuses.

The successful candidate will drive financial sustainability, oversee budgeting and forecasting, manage relationships with auditors and lenders, and guide senior leadership on major initiatives within a not-for-profit education environment.

Formación

• Tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or equivalent (CPA, CA, or ACMA preferred)
• 8–10 years' experience in financial management or accounting, with at least 5 years in senior finance or controller roles
• Demonstrated experience in strategic financial planning and business development within educational/not-for-profit settings
• Strong expertise in financial accounting, management accounting, budgeting, and financial forecasting
• Proven ability to lead and develop finance teams, with excellent people management skills
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities with strong attention to detail
• Advanced proficiency in accounting software, financial systems, and Microsoft Office applications
• Understanding of educational funding models, student fee structures, and school operations is highly desirable
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance audiences
• Strong ethical standards, integrity, and commitment to compliance and governance

Responsabilidades

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive financial strategies that align with the school's mission and long-term objectives
• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and financial reporting
• Prepare and present accurate financial statements, reports, and analysis to the Board of Governors, leadership team, and stakeholders
• Manage cash flow, investment portfolios, and financial reserves to ensure sustainability and operational security
• Lead strategic planning initiatives to identify growth opportunities, cost optimisation, and revenue diversification
• Oversee compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, accounting standards, and internal policies
• Manage relationships with external auditors, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies
• Develop and implement robust internal controls and risk management frameworks
• Supervise and mentor financial staff, fostering a high-performing finance team
• Provide financial guidance to the senior leadership team on major decisions and strategic initiatives
• Support the development of student fees structures, enrolment strategies, and market positioning
• Manage capital projects, facility investments, and asset management programmes

Conocimientos

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Accounting software

Financial systems

Ethical standards

Strategic thinking

Educación

Accounting/Finance degree

Professional accounting qualification (CPA/CA/ACMA)

Herramientas

Accounting software

Financial systems

Microsoft Excel

Descripción del empleo

About us

NT Christian Schools is a leading independent educational institution committed to providing excellence in Christian education across the Northern Territory. We are dedicated to nurturing students' intellectual, spiritual, and personal development in a supportive and values-driven environment. Our schools have earned a strong reputation for academic achievement, pastoral care, and community engagement. We seek passionate professionals who share our vision of transforming lives through quality education grounded in Christian principles.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Finance and Strategy to join NT Christian Schools in Darwin NT on a full-time basis. This is a pivotal leadership position that will oversee all financial operations, strategic planning, and business development across our school campuses. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring financial sustainability, driving operational efficiency, and supporting the school's long-term growth objectives. This role reports directly to the Principal and Board of Governors, positioning you as a key member of the senior leadership team with significant influence over the organisation's financial health and strategic direction.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive financial strategies that align with the school's mission and long-term objectives
• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and financial reporting
• Prepare and present accurate financial statements, reports, and analysis to the Board of Governors, leadership team, and stakeholders
• Manage cash flow, investment portfolios, and financial reserves to ensure sustainability and operational security
• Lead strategic planning initiatives to identify growth opportunities, cost optimisation, and revenue diversification
• Oversee compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, accounting standards, and internal policies
• Manage relationships with external auditors, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies
• Develop and implement robust internal controls and risk management frameworks
• Supervise and mentor financial staff, fostering a high-performing finance team
• Provide financial guidance to the senior leadership team on major decisions and strategic initiatives
• Support the development of student fees structures, enrolment strategies, and market positioning
• Manage capital projects, facility investments, and asset management programmes

What we're looking for

• Tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or equivalent professional qualification (CPA, CA, or ACMA preferred)
• Minimum 8-10 years' experience in financial management or accounting, with at least 5 years in a senior finance or controller role
• Demonstrated experience in strategic financial planning and business development within an educational, not-for-profit, or similar organisational setting
• Strong expertise in financial accounting, management accounting, budgeting, and financial forecasting
• Proven ability to lead and develop finance teams, with excellent people management skills
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities with strong attention to detail
• Advanced proficiency in accounting software, financial systems, and Microsoft Office applications
• Understanding of educational funding models, student fee structures, and school operations is highly desirable
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance audiences
• Strong ethical standards, integrity, and commitment to compliance and governance
• Experience with audit processes, regulatory reporting, and internal controls implementationStrategic thinking capability with the ability to identify opportunities for financial and operational improvement

What we offer

At NT Christian Schools, we are committed to creating a supportive and rewarding work environment for our staff.

• We offer competitive remuneration commensurate with qualifications and experience, comprehensive professional development opportunities, and a strong team culture grounded in our Christian values.
• We recognise the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements where possible.
• Staff enjoy access to staff discounts on school fees, inclusion in our supportive school community, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in students' lives.
• We provide ongoing training and professional development to ensure you can grow your career with us.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all candidates.

If you require any adjustments or alternate formats of key information at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us, and we will be happy to assist.