Financial Controller

The Midfield Group; Warrnambool; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Union Dairy Company in Warrnambool is seeking a Financial Controller to lead the day-to-day accounting function, partner with the CFO, and drive continuous improvement across the finance team. Based in Warrnambool with responsibility for financial reporting, tax compliance, cash flow management and internal controls, you will build strong relationships with senior management and external auditors.

The role offers an ambitious career path in a growing dairy processing business that values

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Accounting and full CA/CPA membership.
• 5+ years post graduate accounting experience in a commercial environment.
• Extensive people management including leading and evaluating performance.
• Experience with medium to large organisations' accounting, tax and statutory compliance.
• Strong financial governance and stakeholder negotiation skills.
• Advanced Excel skills; Power BI knowledge is beneficial.
• Experience in meat/milk processing, manufacturing or farming helpful.
• Ability to manage multiple sites and remote/stakeholder collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing all accounting activities under the direction of the CFO.
• Provide hands-on leadership to the finance team and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage financial reporting obligations including tax, BAS and payroll tax.
• Develop and maintain efficient finance systems with the team.
• Handle month-end and year-end processes and deadlines.
• Collaborate with senior management and key stakeholders to support strategic goals.
• Ensure compliance with statutory reporting requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Team development

Education

Chartered Accountant (CA) or CPA

Tools

Power BI

Accounting software

ERP systems

Job description

At The Union Dairy Company, we are committed to providing a solid and secure dairy processing company that partners with local farmers to deliver quality Australian product throughout the world.

The Union Dairy Company has an annual processing capacity of 300 million litres of raw milk and began production in 2017. Located in Penola, South Australia - the purpose-built plant is the newest of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

About the Role

Based in Warrnambool and reporting directly to Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Financial Controller is responsible for the day-to-day management of the accounting function, providing hands-on leadership support to the finance team, and fostering and implementing a commitment to continuous improvement. We recognise talent, high-performance and support professional development and growth. This creates an exciting pathway for an ambitious Financial Controller to contribute to the business and progress their career with us.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have proven experience in a similar role within a commercial environment, exemplary interpersonal and team management skills, highly developed communication and negotiation skills, and a reputation for being a resilient and collaborative leader, driven to creating positive change.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

The role is responsible for, but not limited to the following:

• Overseeing all accounting activities under the direction of the CFO
• Provide hands on management and leadership support to the finance team, and fostering a commitment to continuous improvement
• Contributing to the achievement of strategic goals
• Managing the groups' financial reporting obligations (including income tax, FBT, BAS and Payroll tax) with responsibility for preparation and lodgement
• Develop and maintain efficient and effective finance systems in collaboration with the finance team
• Managing all accounting operations including billings, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll and reconciliation of general ledger accounts
• Performing analysis, utilising financial data including revenue and expenditure trends, and resolving any discrepancies and irregularities
• Preparing and maintaining cash flow forecasts and projections to effectively manage cash balances
• Ensuring appropriate systems and processes are in place to consistently meet statutory compliance and reporting requirements at both a State and Federal level
• Maintaining and reviewing accounting policies and procedures to ensure conformance with best practice, legislative requirements, and business needs
• Preparing financial plans and budgets, providing reporting and analysis on results to budget throughout the year
• Managing an effective internal audit process and overseeing the external audit program
• Responsible for managing month end and year end processes
• Establish and develop strong working relationships with senior management and key stakeholders
• Ensure all financial deadlines are met

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

• Tertiary Qualification in Accounting and qualified as a Chartered Accountant or Certified Practicing Accountant with full current membership
• 5 years+ post graduate experience in accounting related roles within a commercial environment
• Extensive people management experience that includes leading, engaging and motivating high performing teams, managing conflict, conducting regular performance reviews, and managing staff performance
• Experience in managing a medium to large organisations accounting, tax and statutory compliance requirements
• A thorough understanding of financial governance practices
• Proven experience in negotiating with key stakeholders and influencing business decisions
• Demonstrated experience in accounting software packages
• Advanced skills and experience using Microsoft Excel, proficiency in Microsoft Power BI would be beneficial
• Relevant industry exposure and experience (meat/milk processing, manufacturing, farming)
• Good understanding and exposure of the farming and agriculture industries
• Experienced in providing management and operational support to diverse stakeholder groups and worksites, in person and remotely

Successful candidates must be commercially astute, with a keen attention to detail, coupled with the ability to take a big picture view. Exceptional numerical and analytical skills, and the ability to work under pressure in a fast paced and demanding work environment is also essential.

The Union Dairy Company are an Equal Opportunity Employer