Financial Controller

Howardco Business + HR Solutions; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Howardco Business + HR Solutions is assisting a client in Sydney to recruit a Financial Controller / Finance Manager who will lead a five‑person finance team across multiple sites and drive practical financial improvements.

The role requires hands-on management of day‑to‑day finance functions, monthly closes, and robust reporting to the Managing Director. Xero and Employment Hero experience are essential for this senior position.

Qualifications

• Five years or more in a hands-on Financial Controller or Finance Manager role within an SME.
• Strong communication skills to explain financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Proven experience leading staff across multiple sites and driving performance.
• Experience with payroll, tax compliance and financial controls within Australia.

Responsibilities

• Lead a finance team of five across multiple sites, ensuring efficient operations and timely reporting.
• Manage day-to-day finance functions with accuracy and accountability.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, P&L, balance sheets and cash flow forecasts.
• Provide clear financial explanations and practical recommendations to the MD.
• Oversee debtors, creditors, payroll, reconciliations and weekly payment runs.
• Maintain strong financial controls and oversee BAS, GST, PAYG and compliance.

Skills

Financial leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Problem solving

Tools

Xero

Excel

Employment Hero

Job description

Our client, is a proudly Australian-owned freight and logistics business specialising in a number of freight solutions. This multi generational company has built a strong reputation for reliability, exceptional customer service and delivering on its promises.

With a national distribution network and a diverse customer base, WPE provides tailored freight, express delivery and logistics solutions across a range of industries. Its success is driven by experienced people, strong customer relationships and a commitment to operational excellence.

We are seeking an experienced, confident, and commercially minded Financial Controller / Finance Manager who enjoys being part of a busy operational business and knows how to lead and empower a finance team.

The successful candidate will be someone who takes the time to understand our client’s business, builds relationships with key stakeholders and turns financial information into practical advice.

About the Role

Working directly with the Managing Director, as the Financial Controller, you will play an integral role in ensuring the financial operations run efficiently, reporting is accurate and timely, and the finance team is supported, motivated and well managed.

This position requires unparalleled communication and stakeholder management skills along with a detailed working knowledge of how a medium size business operates.

This is not a position for someone who prefers to work behind a desk preparing spreadsheets

You will lead a finance team of five across different sites and take ownership of the company's financial operations, including:

Managing the day-to-day finance function, ensuring accuracy, efficiency and accountability.

Preparing monthly management accounts, P&L reports, balance sheets and cash flow forecasts.

Providing clear financial explanations and practical recommendations to the Managing Director.

Supervising, mentoring and managing finance staff, setting priorities and ensuring deadlines are met.

Overseeing debtors, creditors, payroll, reconciliations and weekly payment runs.

Managing BAS, GST, PAYG, superannuation, fuel tax credits and statutory compliance.

Integrate your understanding of the businesses transport operations to inform decisions relating to customer relationships, depot performance and major cost drivers.

Working closely with operational managers to understand financial performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

Maintaining strong financial controls across the company and trust structures.

Improving financial systems, reporting and processes through Xero, Employment Hero, Excel

Use AI and automation appropriately.

About You

We are looking for someone who brings more than technical accounting qualifications.

You will be a natural communicator, able to clearly articulate information and ideas. You have an impressive track record of being an effective and supportive team leader and someone who takes the time to genuinely understand the business they work in.

You are known to approach your work with curiosity and a commercial mindset. You are innately proactive and take the initiative to learn how a business operates and where efficiencies and savings can be made.

You use AI and technology intelligently while applying your own professional knowledge, judgement and verification.

Experience in transport, logistics, distribution or another operationally complex business would be highly regarded.

Skills and Experience

You will have:

At least five years' experience in a hands-on Financial Controller or Finance Manager position within an established SME.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the confidence and comprehension to explain financial information clearly and concisely.

Proven experience leading staff with confidence, allocating responsibilities, monitoring performance and addressing issues constructively across multiple sites.

Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines without supervision.

The ability to independently manage and drive the full finance function

Technical Skills

Advanced knowledge of Xero and Excel, with Employment Hero Payroll and HR experience.

Sound knowledge of Australian tax, payroll and compliance requirements.

Strong well rounded technical accounting skills

What Makes This Opportunity Different?

Finance is an important and key part of running this business, not simply a reporting function.

You will work directly with the Managing Director, interact regularly with operational managers and have the opportunity to make a genuine contribution to how the company operates.

Why You’ll Want this Role

This is a senior position with genuine responsibility and decision-making authority.

You will work hand in hand with the Managing Director and be part of a practical, supportive management team.

This is a varied role within a substantial, established Australian business.

You will drive, develop, lead and grow your own finance team.

Use modern accounting systems in a business with a progressive approach to technology.

Competitive salary of $150,000–$170,000.

Long-term career stability in a growing business.

What can I earn as a Financial Controller