Executive Director, Finance

Connected People; Sydney; On-site; AUD 300,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dedicated Executive Assistant support

Free on-site parking at the Newcastle 

Relocation assistance available for a

Job summary

Connected People is partnering with the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle to appoint an experienced Executive Director, Finance. This role leads a multidisciplinary finance team and provides strategic financial leadership across the Diocese and its agencies in the Newcastle region.

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will shape financial strategy, governance, budgeting and risk management, ensuring long-term sustainability and informed decision-making for a complex, multi-entity

Qualifications

• CA qualifications and postgraduate or equivalent senior financial leadership experience.
• Minimum five years in a similar senior finance leadership role.
• Extensive experience in financial strategy, governance, reporting, budgeting and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement financial strategies for long-term sustainability.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the Managing Director, Bishop and Trustees.
• Oversee reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cashflow and capital expenditure planning.
• Lead and develop a high-performing finance team.
• Strengthen financial governance, controls, risk management and compliance.
• Drive improvements in financial systems, policies and reporting.

Skills

CA qualifications

Postgraduate qualifications

Senior financial leadership experience

Financial strategy

Governance & risk management

Stakeholder management

Analytical ability

Leadership

Education

CA qualification

Postgraduate qualification or equivalent

Job description

Connected People is proud to be partnering with the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle to appoint an experienced and accomplished Executive Director, Finance. The Diocese is a highly regarded organisation with a longstanding commitment to serving communities throughout the Newcastle, Hunter and Manning regions. Through its extensive network of Catholic Schools, CatholicCare, St Nicholas Early Education, Catholic Community Fund, , parishes and shared services, the Diocese delivers essential educational, social welfare, pastoral and community services. Employing approximately 5,500 people across more than 100 locations, with consolidated annual revenue of approximately $640 million and $1.6 billion in assets under management, the Diocese operates within a diverse and sophisticated financial and governance environment.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Managing Director and serving as a key member of the Diocesan Leadership Group, the Executive Director, Finance will provide strategic financial leadership, oversight and direction across the Diocese and its agencies.

This is an influential executive appointment, responsible for ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the organisation while supporting its strategic priorities and operational objectives.

As a trusted adviser to the Bishop, Managing Director, Trustees and senior leadership, you will provide strategic financial advice, strengthen financial governance and support informed decision-making across a complex, multi-entity organisation.

Leading a multidisciplinary finance team encompassing accounting, finance business partnering, payroll, procurement, financial systems and project management, you will oversee financial strategy, planning, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, regulatory compliance and audit.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement financial strategies supporting long-term sustainability, organisational priorities and effective resource allocation.
• Provide strategic financial advice to the Managing Director, Bishop, Trustees and Diocesan Leadership Group.
• Oversee financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management and capital expenditure planning across the Diocese and its agencies.
• Lead and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Strengthen financial governance, internal controls, risk management and regulatory compliance.
• Drive improvements in financial systems, policies, processes and reporting capability to support operational effectiveness and strategic decision-making.

About You

We are seeking an accomplished finance executive who combines strong technical expertise and commercial acumen with exceptional leadership capability and a genuine commitment to organisational purpose.

You will be a collaborative and values-driven leader, comfortable navigating sophisticated financial environments and building trusted relationships with executive stakeholders, governing bodies and operational leaders.

• CA qualifications, together with postgraduate qualifications or equivalent senior financial leadership experience.
• A minimum of five years' experience in a similar senior finance leadership position, with proven executive leadership capability.
• Extensive experience in financial strategy, governance, reporting, budgeting and risk management within a complex organisation.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary finance teams and driving organisational improvement.
• Strong analytical capability and the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, commercially informed strategic advice.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working with executive leadership teams and governing boards.
• A considered, ethical and collaborative leadership style.

Experience within large education, not-for-profit, community services, or similarly complex multi-entity environments will be highly regarded.

In accordance with the position requirements, applicants will be required to be Catholic. A commitment to upholding the ethos, mission and values of the Catholic Diocese is essential.

What's on Offer

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a respected, purpose-driven organisation where your leadership will contribute to meaningful outcomes across the community.

• Competitive remuneration of $300,000–$320,000 plus superannuation.
• Dedicated Executive Assistant support.
• Free on-site parking at the Newcastle office.
• Opportunities for continued professional development and career growth.
• Relocation assistance available for candidates considering a move to the Newcastle region.

Beyond the remuneration and benefits, this appointment provides an opportunity to influence the financial direction of an organisation that plays an important role in the lives of thousands of people.

Why Newcastle?

For executives considering a move from Sydney, Melbourne or elsewhere, Newcastle offers an appealing combination of professional opportunity and coastal lifestyle. Enjoy beautiful beaches, coastal walks, a thriving café and dining scene, and easy access to the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie. Newcastle offers the amenities of a vibrant regional city alongside a more relaxed coastal environment, making it an attractive place to establish the next chapter of your career and life.

Connected People has been engaged to manage this executive appointment. We welcome confidential conversations with suitably qualified executives interested in exploring the opportunity.