Finance Manager

Mount Carmel College; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Mount Carmel College in Adelaide is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to oversee the College's financial and payroll functions, reporting to the Business Manager. This senior role focuses on governance, budgeting, compliance and strategic financial leadership to support educational outcomes.

You will work with the Principal, leadership team and Finance Committee to provide expert financial advice, drive efficiency, and ensure robust financial reporting across a multi-campus Catholic school.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in financial management, accounting and payroll within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of financial governance, compliance requirements and reporting obligations.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to provide strategic advice.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic financial planning, budgeting, payroll, compliance and reporting.
• Provide expert financial advice to the Principal, Business Manager and leadership teams.
• Collaborate with the Finance Committee and School Advisory Board.
• Mentor and develop finance staff to foster a positive team culture.

Skills

Financial governance

Budgeting

Payroll management

Strategic advisory

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Dayforce

ERP systems

Job description

Commencement: ASAP | Employment Status: Permanent Full-time | Classification Level: ESO Grade 6

The Opportunity

Mount Carmel College is seeking an experienced and highly capable Finance Manager to undertake and oversee the College's financial and payroll functions. Reporting directly to the Business Manager, this senior role is responsible for ensuring strong financial governance, strategic planning, budgeting, compliance and operational excellence. Working collaboratively with school leaders and key stakeholders, you will provide expert financial advice, manage complex financial processes and contribute to initiatives that support the College's vision and future growth. This is an outstanding opportunity for a finance professional who values purpose-driven work and is passionate about supporting educational outcomes through sound financial leadership.

About This Role

Strategic Leadership Opportunity

Play a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of the College by managing strategic financial planning, budgeting, payroll, compliance and reporting functions.

Diverse and Influential Position

Work closely with the Principal, Business Manager, leadership team, School Advisory Board and Finance Committee, providing expert financial advice and insights that support both operational excellence and strategic growth.

Professional Growth and Impact

Join a large, multi-campus, Catholic school community where your expertise will make a meaningful difference to students, staff and families.

About You

We are seeking someone who has:

Extensive experience in financial management, accounting and payroll within a complex organisation, ideally within education.

Strong knowledge of financial governance, compliance requirements and reporting obligations.

Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide strategic advice and sound financial recommendations.

Advanced proficiency in financial software systems and Microsoft Excel. (Experience in Dayforce would be an advantage)

Highly developed communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organisation.

Demonstrated leadership capability, including the ability to mentor, support and foster a positive team culture.

For further information refer to CESA Positions Vacant

About Us

Mount Carmel College comprises a Primary Campus, Secondary Campus, and the Western Technical College, located in the north-western suburbs of Adelaide.

Steeped in the Josephite tradition, Mount Carmel College offers students a rich and engaging Catholic co-education from Reception to Year 12. Guided by our core values of Belonging, Diversity, Excellence and Relationships, we are committed to fostering an environment where every student can thrive.