Head of Finance - FP&A

AARNet (Australia's Academic and Research Network); Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation contribution

Paid parental leave 24 weeks

Flexible work options

Equal opportunity focus

Wellness leave

Job summary

AARNet is seeking a Head of Finance – FP&A to be the CFO’s second-in-command in Chatswood, NSW. This hybrid, permanent role leads planning, forecasting and capital strategy across a multi-entity group, reporting to the CFO and presenting to the Board.

You will run the annual budget, long-range planning, and robust financial analysis for complex, asset-intensive operations, while developing the FP&A team and strengthening controls.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in accounting, finance or related field; CA or CPA required.
• 8+ years post-qualification experience in a similar, complex env.
• Strong commercial and technical accounting skills with project finance.
• Experience in telecommunications/asset-intensive industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own P&L, capex and cash rolling forecasts; lead annual budget and Long-Range Plan.
• Lead financial modelling and business cases for major capital investments.
• Oversee capital governance from project spend tracking to Fixed Asset Register.
• Deliver high-quality Board and Steering Committee reporting; enable real-time data visuals.
• Strengthen financial processes and lead FP&A team; develop Finance function.

Skills

Advanced Excel modelling

Power BI

Tableau

Stakeholder communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in accounting or finance

CA or CPA designation

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

ERP financials

Job description

Head of Finance – FP&A | Deputy to the CFO Chatswood, NSW (hybrid) | Permanent full-time | Be the CFO's second-in-command at AARNet, the national network powering Australian research and education. Lead FP&A, capital planning and Board reporting in a complex, asset-intensive business.

AARNet is Australia's National Research and Education Network. Since 1989 we have built and run the world-class network infrastructure that connects more than one million researchers, faculty, staff and students across Australia and links them to the world. We are innovators, doers and courageous thinkers, building the solutions our customers will need tomorrow, today.

The role Reporting to the CFO, you will be the CFO's 2IC and a core member of the Finance leadership team. You will lead financial planning, forecasting, capital planning and performance analysis across a multi-entity group. You will advise the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, present to the Board and its committees, and work closely with the Financial Controller so that planning and reporting work as one integrated whole.

What you'll do

• Act as the CFO's deputy and represent Finance to the CEO, ELT and Board when the CFO is unavailable
• Own the P&L, capex and cash rolling forecasts, and lead the annual budget and Long-Range Plan
• Lead financial modelling and business cases for major capital investment in a national network
• Oversee capital governance, from project spend tracking through to the Fixed Asset Register
• Run scenario and sensitivity analysis to stress-test financial resilience
• Deliver high-quality Board and Steering Committee reporting, and streamline reporting towards real-time data visualisation
• Strengthen financial processes and controls, and lead and develop the FP&A team

About You

• Tertiary qualified in accounting, finance or a related field, and a qualified CA or CPA
• 8+ years' post-qualification experience, most recently in a similar role in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment
• Strong commercial and technical accounting skills, with project finance acumen
• Advanced Excel modelling skills and experience with Power BI, Tableau or similar
• Able to explain complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders
• Experience in telecommunications, technology or another asset-intensive industry, and with ERP financials, is highly regarded
• You must be an Australian citizen to be eligible for this role.

Why Work at AARNet?

At AARNet, we’re passionate about advancing global education and critical research. Our Australia-wide network, with global reach, supports some of the most demanding network-based applications. If you’re looking for a purpose-driven workplace where you can make a difference, consider joining our team.

Make an impact: By working with us, you’ll directly contribute to critical research in fields like astronomy, physics, earth observation, environment, health, and medicine. Our mission matters, and we’re committed to providing equal opportunities for all.

Competitive Benefits And Conditions

• Superannuation: Enjoy a 17% superannuation contribution.
• Parental/Adoption Leave: We offer 24 weeks of paid parental leave and superannuation top-up.
• Secondary Carer Leave: 16 weeks of paid parental leave for secondary caregivers.
• Wellness Leave: 2 days per month paid Women’s wellness leave.
• Family & Domestic Violence Leave: 20 days of paid leave.
• Other Supportive Leaves: Paid leave for various life events such as weddings, deaths, trauma, and disasters.
• Purchased Leave: Options to purchase additional Annual Leave.
• Flexible Work Options: We support work-life balance.
• Equal Opportunity Focus: We value diversity and inclusion.
• Social Responsibility and Ethics: We lead by example.
• Cutting-Edge Technologies: Access to work with the latest industry technology.