Financial Manager

Appreciating Talent; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Appreciating Talent is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to join our team and report to the Business Services Manager. The role blends hands-on financial management with strategic input, covering budgeting, forecasting, reporting and payroll oversight for the school.

You will lead financial planning, analyse performance, ensure compliance, and partner with senior stakeholders to drive operational efficiency and long-term financial health.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Finance Manager or senior finance role.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting capabilities.
• Deep understanding of payroll, including legislation, awards, entitlements, superannuation and taxation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations and ensure timely financial reporting.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic decisions.
• Partner with the Business Services Manager and leadership on financial strategy and planning.
• Monitor cash flow, expenditure and performance against budgets.
• Oversee payroll operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Provide guidance on payroll processes and controls.
• Manage month-end and year-end reporting and reconciliations.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and controls.
• Ensure compliance with financial legislation and organisational policies.
• Contribute to broader business services and operational initiatives.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Payroll management

Financial analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Compliance

Tools

Compass

ConnX

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Finance Manager to join the team, reporting to the Business Services Manager. The role will be involved in both strategic planning and day-to-day operations, with responsibility for financial management, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and payroll oversight. This is a varied role suited to someone who enjoys being hands-on with finance while also contributing to the broader operational and strategic direction of the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Partner with the Business Services Manager and wider leadership team on financial strategy and business planning.
• Monitor cash flow, expenditure and financial performance against budgets.
• Oversee payroll operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely processing.
• Provide guidance on complex payroll matters, ensuring processes and controls are effective and compliant.
• Manage month-end and year-end reporting, reconciliations and financial statements.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, systems and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with relevant financial legislation, reporting requirements and organisational policies.
• Support the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures.
• Contribute to broader business services and operational initiatives as required.

About You To be successful in this role, you will be a commercially minded finance professional with strong technical accounting skills and the ability to work closely with senior stakeholders.

• Proven experience in a Finance Manager or senior finance role.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting capabilities.
• A deep understanding of payroll, including relevant legislation, awards, entitlements, superannuation, taxation and compliance requirements.
• Experience overseeing payroll operations and resolving complex payroll queries.
• Experience using Compass and ConnX software systems.
• The ability to translate financial data into meaningful insights and recommendations.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• A proactive approach to improving processes and driving operational efficiencies.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• The ability to balance hands-on financial management with strategic thinking.

Experience within a school or education environment would be advantageous.

The Opportunity Join an established school with a positive working culture and strong staff retention, in a role that combines financial management, payroll oversight and involvement in the school's broader strategy and operations.