Head of Finance

JMES (Jon Michel Executive Search); Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian Consumer Brand, backed by private equity, is seeking a Head of Finance to drive financial leadership during a phase of rapid expansion. You will partner with the Founder/CEO, gain exposure to the board, and influence commercial decisions as the business scales globally.

The role blends finance leadership with business operations, offering a path toward CFO-level responsibility and broad cross-functional impact across product, channel and international entities.

Qualifications

• CA/CPA-qualified professionals with experience in consumer products, FMCG, retail or a related inventory-based business.
• Practical ownership of reporting, cash flow and inventory understanding profitability drivers.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and working capital management.
• Provide commercial insight into profitability by product, customer, channel and country.
• Work closely with suppliers, production and logistics on inventory, costs and margins.
• Oversee international entity reporting, foreign exchange and financial controls.
• Develop systems, processes and reporting to support a larger, more complex business.
• Lead the finance team and support the CEO, General Manager, Board and investor with clear analysis and recommendations.

Skills

Financial reporting

Budgeting & forecasting

Cash flow management

Inventory management

Commercial insights

Education

CA/CPA qualification

Job description

Australian Consumer Brand | Private Equity Backed

An established Australian consumer brand with a growing international footprint is seeking a Head of Finance to support its next phase of expansion. Backed by private equity and led by an accomplished entrepreneurial founder, the business has plans to triple in size, creating significant scope for the role to grow alongside it.

You will work directly with a Founder & CEO who has built an internationally recognised brand and gain direct exposure to the Board of private equity investors. This brings the opportunity to influence commercial decisions, contribute to the growth strategy and learn from experienced business builders and investors.

The initial remit combines ownership of finance with close involvement in business operations. Responsibilities include:

• Lead financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and working capital management


• Provide commercial insight into profitability by product, customer, channel and country


• Work closely with suppliers, production and logistics teams on inventory, costs and margins


• Oversee international entity reporting, foreign exchange and financial controls


• Develop systems, processes and reporting to support a larger, more complex business


• Lead the finance team and support the CEO, General Manager, Board and investor with clear analysis and recommendations

The scope for career development is substantial. As the business scales, the role is expected to expand across finance, operations and strategy, offering a pathway towards broader CFO-level responsibility. You will have the opportunity to build your investor-facing experience, develop a close commercial partnership with the founder, and take on increasing responsibility as the company grows.

This could suit a Finance Manager or Financial Controller ready to step up from a larger organisation, or someone already leading finance and operations within a smaller business.

We are interested in CA/CPA-qualified professionals with experience in consumer products, FMCG, retail or a related inventory-based business. Practical ownership of reporting, cash flow and inventory, together with an understanding of what drives profitability, will provide a strong foundation. Private equity experience would be an advantage but is not essential.

Applicants must have full working rights in Australia.