Finance Manager

St. George Illawarra Rugby League Football Club; Wollongong City Council; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

St. George Illawarra Rugby League Football Club is seeking a hands-on Finance leader to drive the day-to-day operations of the Finance function and partner with leaders across the business to drive performance and provide commercial insights.

You will report to the CFO, ensuring timely financial information, compliance, and expert analysis to support strategic decision-making. The role covers budgeting, reporting, audits, and governance while developing a high-performing finance team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a similar Finance Manager or senior finance role.
• Experience within sport, entertainment or a related industry will be highly regarded.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or Business.
• CA or CPA qualification preferred.
• Strong accounting, financial reporting and compliance knowledge.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong proficiency across the Microsoft Office suite.
• Financial modelling and analytical expertise.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with Xero is advantageous.
• High attention to detail and a strong sense of integrity.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for sport and a willingness to contribute to a team-first culture.

Responsibilities

• Review and oversee weekly receivables and payables.
• Manage the month-end finance process and preparation of monthly management reports.
• Prepare year-end financial statements and lead the external audit process.
• Prepare and lodge BAS returns and other statutory reporting requirements.
• Prepare monthly and annual NRL reporting requirements.
• Maintain the General Ledger and ensure data integrity.
• Prepare regular financial reports for the CFO and senior leadership team.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and analysis processes.
• Partner with Executive and Senior Leadership on strategic decisions.
• Supervise the Assistant Accountant and Accounts Payable/Medical Officer and conduct performance reviews.

Skills

Strategic finance

Stakeholder management

Financial analysis

Financial modelling

Excel

Communication

Time management

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or Business

CA or CPA qualification preferred

Tools

Xero

MS Office

Job description

We're looking for a hands-on Finance leader to drive the day-to-day operations of our Finance function while partnering with leaders across the business to drive performance, provide commercial insights, and support strategic decision-making.

This is more than a traditional finance role. You'll be a trusted advisor to the CFO and senior leadership team, helping shape business outcomes through strong financial management, analysis, and collaboration. You'll thrive if you're equally comfortable preparing management reports, leading audits, improving systems and processes, and building strong relationships across the organisation which help support growth.

About the Role

Reporting to the CFO, you will be responsible for ensuring the Finance function operates efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with all accounting standards, statutory requirements, and reporting obligations.

You will act as the main conduit between Finance and senior leadership, providing timely financial information, commercial insights, and support to departments across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and oversee weekly receivables and payables.
• Manage the month-end finance process and preparation of monthly management reports.
• Prepare year-end financial statements and lead the external audit process.
• Prepare and lodge BAS returns and other statutory reporting requirements.
• Prepare monthly and annual NRL reporting requirements.
• Maintain the General Ledger and ensure data integrity.
• Prepare regular financial reports for the CFO and senior leadership team.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Lead the annual budgeting process across all departments.
• Prepare and manage monthly forecasts.
• Manage cash flow budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
• Design, maintain and enhance financial reporting tools.
• Provide commercial analysis and performance insights to support business decisions.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability, efficiencies and commercial outcomes.

Leadership & Business Partnering

• Act as the key liaison between Finance and the Executive and Senior Leadership teams.
• Build strong relationships with department leaders through regular engagement and support.
• Lead and develop the Assistant Accountant and Accounts Payable/Medical Officer.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and development.
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• Foster a collaborative, positive and high-performing team culture.

Process Improvement & Governance

• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, legislation and organisational policies.
• Complete and submit all required statutory and legislated reporting.
• Review finance systems and business processes, identifying opportunities for improvement and increased efficiency.
• Provide payroll processing support when required.

About You

You are a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys partnering with people and influencing business outcomes. You're confident communicating with stakeholders at all levels and is comfortable moving between strategic thinking and hands-on financial management.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a similar Finance Manager or senior finance role.
• Experience within sport, entertainment or a related industry will be highly regarded.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or Business.
• CA or CPA qualification preferred.
• Strong accounting, financial reporting and compliance knowledge.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong proficiency across the Microsoft Office suite.
• Financial modelling and analytical expertise.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with Xero is advantageous.
• High attention to detail and a strong sense of integrity.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for sport and a willingness to contribute to a team-first culture.

Why Join Us?

• Work in an exciting and dynamic sporting environment.
• Be a key member of the leadership team and contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Partner with passionate people across the business.
• Lead a talented finance team and make a genuine impact.
• Enjoy a collaborative, energetic and supportive workplace culture.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Australia and be available to work outside ordinary business hours when required.