Finance Manager

McDermott Aviation; Cooroy; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

McDermott Aviation, headquartered in Cooroy, is Australia’s largest privately‑owned helicopter company. We seek an experienced Finance Manager to lead our accounting, tax compliance, cash flow, and financial reporting while guiding a high-performing finance team.

Reporting to the CFO, you will shape strategic finance initiatives, ensure ASIC and corporate reporting compliance, and oversee multi‑entity accounting across Australia and internationally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA or CA preferred.
• 5+ years in a senior accounting or finance management role.
• Australian work authorisation required.
• Experience with TM1 or Microsoft Business Central ERP systems.
• Knowledge of Australian accounting standards, taxation, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of day-to-day accounting and tax accounting, ensuring accuracy.
• Support the Accounts team leader with backup and advisory.
• Oversee lodgement of BAS, PAYG, income tax returns, and other statutory filings.
• Review month-end reconciliations, journals, and accruals.
• Lead and develop the finance team toward high performance.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, and financing arrangements.
• Identify process improvements to increase efficiency and strategic value.
• Ensure compliance with ASIC, Australian and US reporting requirements.
• Support the CFO in strategic finance initiatives and ad hoc projects.

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

Communication

Australian work rights

Strategic finance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA or CA preferred

Tools

TM1

Microsoft Business Central

Job description

McDermott Aviation, headquartered in Cooroy, is Australia's largest privately-owned helicopter company. With over 40 years of experience in aerial firefighting, heavy lifting, and remote operations, we provide essential helicopter services across Australia and internationally. Our fleet includes more than 50 aircraft, supported by a team of highly skilled pilots, engineers, and support staff.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Finance Manager to lead our accounting function and play a pivotal role in shaping the finance team. Reporting to the CFO, this is a hands-on position with both strategic and operational responsibilities. You will oversee accounting, tax compliance, cash flow management, and financial reporting while leading, mentoring, and developing a high-performing finance team.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of day-to-day accounting and tax accounting, ensuring the accuracy of all records.
• Support the Accounts team leader, providing backup and advice as required
• Review and ensure timely lodgement of FBT, BAS, PAYG, income tax returns, and DTA/DTL.
• Review and prepare month-end balance sheet reconciliations, journals, and accruals.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, building a high-performing, collaborative culture.
• Oversee cash flow, working capital, and financing arrangements.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and the strategic value of the finance function.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and corporate reporting requirements (ASIC, Australian and US regulations).
• Support the CFO in strategic finance initiatives, ad hoc projects, and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline; CPA or CA preferred.
• Chartered accounting experience highly regarded, especially from Big 4 or Tier 2 firms.
• 5+ years' experience in a senior accounting or finance management role, ideally within a fast-moving SME or multi-entity environment.
• Strong knowledge of Australian accounting standards, taxation, and compliance.
• Experience with TM1 and/or Microsoft Business Central highly regarded.
• Proficiency in TM1, Microsoft Business Central, or other suitable ERP systems is required for this role.
• Hands-on, adaptable, and comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of coaching, performance management, and building high-performing teams.
• Proven transactional experience across all financial aspects of multiple entities within a group
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills.
• Candidates must have Australian work authorisation at the time of application.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a forward-thinking, growth-focused business.
• Lead and shape a high-performing finance function.
• Hands-on role with strategic influence and operational impact.