Financial Controller

Gemba Group; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Gemba is seeking a Financial Controller to lead the end-to-end accounting, treasury and financial operations across our APAC and EMEA divisions. This is a hands-on leadership role with influence: you’ll run a high-performing finance function, overseeing tax, compliance and audit while providing clear commercial insights to our Executive Leadership Team.

You’ll drive budgeting and reforecast cycles, deliver high-quality board reporting and identify margin gains, cost efficiencies and growth

Qualifications

• Qualified CGMA/ACCA/CA/CPA with multi-entity experience.
• Experience with AU and UK accounting standards and FX oversight.
• Ability to report across time zones and coordinate with London.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end accounting, treasury and financial operations for APAC and EMEA across multi-currency entities.
• Drive the budget and reforecast cycles, delivering high-quality board reporting and identifying margin gains and cost efficiencies.
• Lead the implementation of a new Finance system and standardise practices across Gemba's global teams.
• Provide sharp commercial insights to the Executive Leadership Team and act as a strategic partner to regional MDs and the Global CEO/COO.

Skills

Financial accounting

Forecasting & budgeting

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Financial modelling

Multi-currency accounting

Education

CA/CPA/ACCA/CGMA

Tools

ERP/CRM/FP&A tools

Job description

At Gemba, we work at the intersection of sport, entertainment and culture, bringing strategy, data and analytics, insights, and communications together to deliver results that matter.

Our name comes from the Japanese term Gemba, meaning "the real place", which reflects our commitment to uncovering the truth at the heart of fan behaviour. Since 2006, we’ve built our reputation by understanding audiences deeply, helping our clients cut through the noise of an increasingly complex and competitive landscape.

We are proud to partner with major brands, rights holders and organisations to shape the future of sport and entertainment, whether driving commercial growth, increasing participation or creating meaningful engagement.

If you are passionate about fans, culture and creating impact, you’ll find your place at Gemba

About The Role

Reporting to the COO, we are looking for a Financial Controller to lead the end to end accounting, treasury, and financial operations across our APAC and EMEA divisions. This is a hands-on leadership role with real influence: you’ll run a high-performing finance function, leading on all aspects of tax, compliance and audit, and provide sharp commercial insights to our Executive Leadership Team.

You’ll drive the budget and reforecast cycles, deliver high-quality commercial and board reporting that identifies margin gains, cost efficiencies and growth opportunities, and driving a continuous improvement environment in the accounting team.

A key part of this role will be the Implementation of a new Finance system streamlining processes, automating workflows and standardising practices across Gemba's global teams.

About You

We are looking for a CGMA/ACCA/CA/CPA qualified accountant with significant and relevant experience within a multi-entity business. As the role will require you to work across a multi currency business we need someone who has experience with AU and UK accounting principles and standards, include FX oversight, compliance and statutory requirements. You will be comfortable working across different time zones and reporting to London.

Experience & Background

• High-level technical accounting expertise and sound financial management skills.
• Demonstrated track record improving systems, processes and controls.
• Experience leading finance team with multiple reports and the ability to effectively manage up
• Demonstrated experience managing stakeholders across divisions and locations including executive leaders.
• Advanced financial modelling and forecasting capability.
• Strong systems literacy across ERP/CRM/FP&A/data tools.
• Confident with computational thinking and problem-solving in complex environments.

Success in the Role

Accurate and Timely Reporting

• Monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements delivered on time and error-free.
• Compliance with local GAAP and group reporting standards.
• Robust processes in place to prevent errors and fraud.
• Regular reconciliations and audit readiness at all times.

Cash Flow Management

• Healthy liquidity position maintained.
• Forecasts are accurate and proactive actions taken to avoid shortfalls.

Budgeting and Forecasting Excellence

• Budgets aligned with strategic goals and delivered on schedule.
• Forecasts updated regularly with clear variance analysis.

Stakeholder Confidence

• Regional MDs and Global CEO & COO trust the numbers and insights provided.
• Finance seen as a strategic partner, not just a compliance or transactional function.

Process Efficiency

• Automation and simplification initiatives implemented to reduce manual work.
• Clear point of view developed on AI efficiencies.

Team Development

• Finance team is engaged, trained and performing at a high level.
• Clear succession planning and role clarity within the team.

Note: All candidates require working rights in Australia to perform the role.

Gemba is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and encourage people of all different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or other protected characteristics or similar