Finance Manager – Not-for-Profit Conservation

Australian Marine Conservation Society; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 116,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) is seeking a Finance Manager to lead our day-to-day finance function in a not-for-profit setting. You will oversee accounts payable and receivable, payroll, month-end reporting and compliance.

With CA or CPA qualifications and at least five years’ experience, you will drive budgeting and forecasting, grant reporting, audits and internal controls, partnering with campaign and fundraising teams to support AMCS's ocean conservation work.

Qualifications

• At least five years' experience in a similar role within a not-for-profit or similarly complex environment, with CA or CPA qualifications.
• Demonstrated success managing month-end deadlines and producing accurate monthly financial reports, supported by oversight of payments, reconciliations and payroll processes.
• Experience preparing financial acquittals for grant funding, with working knowledge of Australian Accounting Standards, particularly AASB 15, AASB 1058 and AASB 16.
• Ability to coordinate budgeting and forecasting processes, explain financial information clearly, and help managers make informed decisions about budgets, funding and resources.
• Demonstrated experience leading external audits, meeting statutory reporting requirements and maintaining strong financial controls.
• Track record of streamlining financial workflows, improving systems and automating manual processes, with the ability to support colleagues to use financial tools confidently.
• Strong communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills, an inclusive and supportive approach, and high standards of integrity.
• Commitment to AMCS' mission and values and an interest in contributing your financial expertise to ocean conservation.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day finance function, overseeing accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations, payroll coordination, month-end reporting and compliance.
• Provide practical advice and improvements to how we work, combining reliability with hands-on execution.
• Support budgeting and forecasting, provide clear insights into financial performance, and help teams manage project funding and grant reporting.
• Lead the annual external audit process, coordinate statutory reporting, and strengthen financial systems, workflows and internal controls.
• Work with external finance and payroll providers and colleagues across Australia; there are no direct reports currently, with scope for supervision as the finance function grows.

Skills

CA or CPA qualifications

Grant accounting

Budgeting and forecasting

Governance and audit

Systems and process improvement

Communication and relationship-build

Job description

The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) is seeking a Finance Manager to lead our day-to-day finance function in a not-for-profit setting. You will oversee accounts payable and receivable, payroll, month-end reporting and compliance.

With CA or CPA qualifications and at least five years’ experience, you will drive budgeting and forecasting, grant reporting, audits and internal controls, partnering with campaign and fundraising teams to support AMCS's ocean conservation work.