Financial Controller: Scale Finance Systems & Path to CFO

Marston Living Pty Ltd; Willoughby City Council; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Marston Group is seeking a Finance Leader to act as the 2IC to the CFO, building the financial infrastructure for a fast-growing property, construction and retirement village group in Sydney. You will lead accounting, tax, controls, policy, treasury and strategic finance across the portfolio.

The role offers a clear path to Head of Finance or CFO within 3–5 years, moving from compliance to strategic finance such as land purchases and debt structuring.

Qualifications

• Senior accountant, finance manager or equivalent with progression to Head of Finance/CFO within 3–5 years.
• Experience moving from compliance to business-facing finance, including strategic projects.
• Background in property or trust accounting is a strong plus but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function and develop strategy, systems and policies for scaling the group.
• Manage the accounting team and the operational backbone: AP, payroll, BAS and reporting.
• Oversee monthly management reporting, year-end close, and group consolidation.
• Handle complex transactions like land purchases and entity closures.
• Support debt raising and bank covenants for new projects.
• Manage group insurances and other operational risk.

Skills

Leadership

Financial reporting

Systems thinking

Treasury & debt

People management

Property accounting

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

BAS software

Job description

Marston Group is seeking a Finance Leader to act as the 2IC to the CFO, building the financial infrastructure for a fast-growing property, construction and retirement village group in Sydney. You will lead accounting, tax, controls, policy, treasury and strategic finance across the portfolio.

The role offers a clear path to Head of Finance or CFO within 3–5 years, moving from compliance to strategic finance such as land purchases and debt structuring.