Finance and Operations Manager

Appreciating Talent; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Appreciating Talent is seeking a hands-on Senior Accountant or Finance Manager ready to take ownership of the finance function in a smaller business. You will work directly with the MD to manage day-to-day finance, inventory accounting and commercial analysis, driving improvements in systems and reporting.

You will lead cash flow management, budgeting and forecasting while collaborating across sales, operations and finance to support business decisions.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Finance Manager, Commercial Accountant or similar role.
• Hands-on experience managing an end-to-end finance function.
• Strong Xero experience is essential.
• Experience in inventory-based industries (wholesale, distribution, manufacturing, logistics or ecommerce).
• Knowledge of inventory accounting, cash flow, financial reporting and management accounting.
• Proficient with Excel and multiple systems; ability to learn new platforms.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end finance function including AP/AR, reconciliations and general ledger.
• Prepare monthly financial reports, balance sheet reconciliations, journals and month-end close.
• Manage cash flow, working capital and forecasting.
• Support budgeting, planning and variance analysis.
• Oversee inventory accounting (stock valuation, landed costs, COGS, reconciliations).
• Ensure accurate invoicing across products, freight, warehousing and fulfilment services.
• Provide commercial analysis on profitability, margins and performance.
• Collaborate with sales and operations to resolve financial and inventory issues.
• Maintain proactive communication with the MD on priorities and progress.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and reporting.

Skills

End-to-end finance

Cash flow management

Financial reporting

Inventory accounting

Variance analysis

Collaboration

Tools

Xero

Cin7

Excel

Job description

An opportunity for a Senior Accountant ready to step up into a Finance Manager role, or an experienced Finance Manager looking for a hands‑on position within a smaller business.
This is a broad, commercially focused role offering genuine variety and visibility across the business. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you’ll take ownership of the finance function, work closely with operational and sales teams, and play a key role in improving financial processes and business performance.
The Role You’ll oversee the day‑to‑day finance function while supporting inventory management, financial reporting, cash flow and operational decision‑making.
This role will suit someone who enjoys working in a smaller business environment, where being hands‑on, adaptable and proactive is key. You’ll work closely with the MD, take ownership of priorities and identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and reporting.
Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing the end‑to‑end finance function, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, reconciliations and general ledger management.
• Preparing monthly financial reports, balance sheet reconciliations, journals, accruals and month‑end reporting.
• Managing cash flow, working capital and forecasting.
• Supporting budgeting, financial planning and variance analysis.
• Overseeing inventory accounting, including stock valuation, landed costs, Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) and inventory reconciliations.
• Ensuring accurate invoicing across products, freight, warehousing and fulfilment services.
• Providing commercial analysis around profitability, margins and business performance.
• Working closely with sales and operational teams to resolve financial and inventory‑related issues.
• Maintaining regular, proactive communication with the MD regarding priorities, progress, outstanding matters and potential issues.
• Identifying opportunities to improve financial processes, systems and reporting.

About You

You’re a hands‑on finance professional who enjoys working in a smaller, entrepreneurial business where you can take ownership and make a tangible difference. You’re comfortable balancing the detail with the bigger picture, communicating proactively and working collaboratively across the business.
You’ll also bring:

• Experience in a Finance Manager, Commercial Accountant or similar role, with the capability to manage an end‑to‑end finance function.
• Strong, hands‑on experience using Xero is essential.
• Experience working in a small or medium‑sized business environment, with an appreciation for the variety and autonomy this brings.
• Exposure to inventory‑based industries such as wholesale, distribution, manufacturing, logistics or eCommerce.
• Strong knowledge of inventory accounting, cash flow management, financial reporting and management accounting.
• Experience with inventory management systems such as Cin7, along with the ability to learn and navigate other proprietary business platforms.
• Strong Excel skills and confidence working across multiple systems.
• A proactive communication style, with the ability to keep the MD informed of priorities, progress and outstanding matters.
• A collaborative, team‑oriented approach and a willingness to get involved wherever needed.
• Strong analytical, organisational and problem‑solving skills.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to step into a broad Finance Manager position where you can take ownership, work closely with the MD and help shape the finance function as the business continues to evolve. You’ll have the backing of a global organisation while retaining the variety, agility and influence that come with working in a smaller team.