Finance Manager (NFP) | Lead Finance & Reporting

Education Services Australia; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Professional development

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Education Services Australia (ESA) invites applications for a Finance Manager to lead our finance team of five and oversee financial reporting, budgeting and accounting processes.

You will ensure statutory compliance, manage cash flow, payroll and taxation, coordinate external audits, and partner with the CFO on forecasts. This not-for-profit role offers flexible working arrangements (60% WFH) and an office in Melbourne's CBD.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a finance manager role.
• Ability to motivate a finance team and drive performance.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Experience in preparing financial statements for not-for-profit organisations.
• Excellent stakeholder relationship skills with internal and external parties.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple tasks.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems experience (Dynamics 365, Chris21).

Responsibilities

• Lead a finance team of five and oversee all financial functions.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and taxation (GST).
• Coordinate month-end and year-end reporting and external audits.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide financial insights to support strategic decisions.
• Manage payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Accounting principles

Financial statements

Excel

Dynamics 365

Chris21

Government stakeholders

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Chris21

Job description

Finance Manager (NFP) | Lead Finance & Reporting

Education Services Australia (ESA) was established by education ministers in 2010. We specialise in connecting policy, technology and practice. With this unique capability, we help advance nationally agreed education initiatives across Australia. Working with government and schools, we co-create and deliver technology-driven solutions that improve education outcomes – for everyone, everywhere.

The Finance Team supports the organisation through timely and accurate transaction processing and reporting. It assists all components of the Company, including the Education Ministers Meeting and the Statutory Offices, with centralised processing of financial and accounting transactions, Payroll and Financial Reporting.

Why work with us

• Work for a NFP that makes a true impact for students, teachers, parents and carers
• Received Xref Engage Best Workplace and Change Champion Awards in 2025
• Flexible working policy – 60% WFH and 35 hour week
• Office in a convenient location in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD
• Learn more about life at ESA here: Careers at ESA | Help shape the future of educatio

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Finance Manager to lead our Finance team of five and oversee all financial and accounting functions that support the effective operation of ESA. This includes ensuring compliance with statutory regulations and managing financial reporting.

Your focus will be to:

• Lead your team by motivating and developing them, to ensure a continuing high performing team
• Provide financial analysis, insights and advice to support decision-making across the organisation.
• Work with the CFO on the annual budgeting and quarterly forecast process
• Manage the cash flow management and oversee Treasury and Taxation (GST) functions
• Oversee month‑end and year‑end reporting processes, including management accounts, annual financial statements and variance analysis.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, taxation obligations, regulatory requirements and financial policies.
• Lead finance operations, including payroll, accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Coordinate external audits and manage reporting obligations, including ACNC and sustainability reporting requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, processes and controls to support organisational effectiveness.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external auditors, banking partners and service providers.
• Provide trusted financial guidance and support across the organisation.

Who we’re looking for

• You have previous leadership experience in a finance manager or similar position and demonstrated ability to motivate and lead a team
• You are highly motivated person with the ability to multi task, with strong communication skills
• You have thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures
• You have experience in preparation of financial statements
• You can build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• You can work under pressure to tight deadlines
• You have intermediate to advance computer skills, including Excel
• You have exposure with Microsoft Dynamics 365 & Chris21 and finance system implementation experience
• You have worked with government stakeholders

What ESA offer

At ESA, we want everyone to succeed and feel valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, and people from all backgrounds and experiences.

• We offer a competitive remuneration package, flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative culture where people and ideas thrive.