Finance Manager

Stannards Accountants & Advisors; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing Days

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Assistance Program

Professional development

Job summary

Stannards Accountants & Advisors in Melbourne is seeking a hands-on Finance Manager to lead day-to-day finance operations, consolidation across entities and reporting to the Board. You will shape systems, processes and controls to support growth while mentoring the Accounts team.

You bring CA/CPA credentials, 5+ years in finance, and a strong track record in statutory compliance, budgeting, forecasting and cloud-based payroll. The role offers a dynamic, high-trust environment.

Qualifications

• CA or CPA qualified.
• Five years' finance experience including reporting, payroll and compliance.
• Strong knowledge of Australian financial, tax and payroll compliance.
• Experience with multi-entity environments and group consolidation is valued.
• Experience in professional services or advisory firms is desirable.
• Proficiency in cloud accounting and payroll systems; strong Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management reporting and the Stannards management dashboard.
• Monitor WIP, debtors and lock-up against benchmarks and escalate material issues.
• Prepare financial information for Board and investor reporting.
• Analyse performance against budget, forecast and prior year, including variances.
• Prepare cash flow forecasts and monitor working capital requirements.
• Oversee payroll and statutory obligations.
• Manage the annual external audit, month-end close, balance sheet reconciliations and controls.
• Lead the Accounts Manager and oversee AP/AR and trust processing.
• Support group consolidation and transition acquired businesses onto finance processes.

Skills

Commercially minded

Leadership & stakeholder engagement

Analytical mindset

Strong communication with senior leads

Education

CA or CPA qualified

Tools

Cloud accounting

Excel

Payroll systems

Job description

Stannards Accountants & Advisors – South Yarra VIC

Stannards is a leading business advisory and accounting firm known for doing things differently. Our approach sets us apart from the way we innovate and use systems, to how we mentor, collaborate and support each other.

We are passionate about exploring better solutions and delivering better outcomes for our clients, because their success is our success. We take pride in the work we do and in creating a dynamic, supportive and expert environment where our people can thrive. As a result of this approach, Stannards is experiencing strong growth and is now ranked within the AFR’s Top 50 chartered accounting and advisory firms.

The Opportunity

As Stannards continues to grow nationally, we are seeking a Finance Manager to take ownership of our day-to-day finance function while helping build the capability, systems and reporting required to support our continued expansion.

Reporting to the General Manager, Finance & Operations and working closely with the Chief Financial and Operations Officer, senior leadership and the Board, you will oversee financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, payroll, statutory compliance, treasury, audit and financial controls.

As the business expands, the role will take increasing responsibility for group consolidation and reporting across multiple entities, including acquired businesses, with a clear pathway towards Financial Controller.

Key Responsibilities

Prepare monthly management reporting and the Stannards management dashboard.

Monitor WIP, debtors and lock-up against agreed benchmarks and elevate material issues.

Prepare financial information for Board and investor reporting.

Analyse performance against budget, forecast and prior year, including commentary on material variances.

Finance Operations & Compliance

Prepare cash flow forecasts and monitor working capital requirements.

Support annual budgeting, periodic reforecasting and overhead cost control.

Oversee the accurate and timely processing of payroll and associated controls.

Ensure BAS, FBT, payroll tax, superannuation and other statutory obligations are completed accurately and on time.

Manage day-to-day banking, payment approvals, bank mandates, debt arrangements and covenant reporting.

Manage the annual external audit, month-end close, balance sheet reconciliations and financial controls.

Lead, support and develop the Accounts Manager and oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable and trust account processing.

Take increasing responsibility for group consolidation and financial reporting across multiple entities.

Help transition acquired businesses onto Stannards finance processes and identify opportunities to improve reporting and processing through automation and AI.

About You

You are a commercially minded, hands‑on finance professional who combines strong technical capability with a practical and improvement-focused approach. Highly organised and accurate, you are comfortable managing competing deadlines and communicating confidently with senior leaders, Board members and external advisers.

Skills and Experience:

CA or CPA qualified

At least five years' relevant finance experience, including financial and management reporting, payroll and statutory compliance.

Strong working knowledge of Australian financial, tax and payroll compliance requirements.

Experience managing month-end processes, balance sheet reconciliations, budgeting and cash flow forecasting.

Experience with multi-entity environments and group consolidation is highly regarded.

Experience in professional services, accounting firms or private equity-backed businesses is highly regarded.

Proficiency in cloud accounting and payroll systems, with strong Excel skills.

Why Join Stannards?

• Alongside a competitive remuneration package, you'll enjoy a collaborative culture, ongoing professional development, 3 Wellbeing Days per year, up to 8 weeks Paid Parental Leave, access to our Employee Assistance Program, and regular social and community initiatives.

Ready to make an impact?

If you're looking for a hands‑on finance leadership role where you can take ownership of the day-to-day finance function while helping shape how it scales for future growth, we'd love to hear from you.

Applicants must have full Australian working rights.