Reports To: CEO and Directors
Direct Reports: Finance Team (including Accountant, Financial & Business Data Analyst, Debtors & Administration Clerk, and collaboration with Payroll)
Location: Flemington, with regular travel to training locations
Purpose of the Role
Working closely with the CEO, Directors and key operational stakeholders, the Financial Controller provides timely financial insights to support decision-making, business performance and sustainable growth within a dynamic and asset-intensive equine environment.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership
- Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing finance team.
- Provide commercial and operational financial support to the CEO and Directors.
- Collaborate with the outsourced CFO and payroll function to support planning and decision-making.
Financial Reporting, Budgeting & Analysis
- Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards.
- Deliver management reporting, KPI analysis, budgeting, forecasting and variance reporting.
- Monitor business performance and provide recommendations to improve profitability and efficiency.
- Present financial results, risks and opportunities to management.
Cash Flow, Compliance & Risk Management
- Manage cash flow, banking relationships and working capital requirements.
- Oversee accounts receivable, accounts payable and client billing processes.
- Ensure compliance with all taxation and statutory obligations, including GST, PAYG, FBT and income tax.
- Maintain internal controls, asset registers and appropriate insurance arrangements.
- Support compliance with relevant industry, workplace health and safety, and regulatory requirements.
Systems, Controls & Process Improvement
- Maintain and enhance financial systems, reporting tools and internal controls.
- Act as system owner for finance platforms including PRISM and Xero.
- Drive process improvement, automation and operational efficiencies across the finance function.
- Undertake key finance processing activities including payments, reconciliations, journals and asset management.
Business Partnering
- Act as a trusted adviser to management on business performance, investment decisions and growth opportunities.
- Provide financial modelling, analysis and commercial insights to support strategic decision-making.
- Build strong relationships across operational areas to ensure finance remains connected to the needs of the business.
Leadership & Culture
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Coach and develop team members to support performance and professional growth.
Key Skills & Experience
- CPA or CA qualification.
- Minimum 8 years' experience in a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or similar leadership role.
- Demonstrated experience in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and statutory compliance.
- Strong commercial acumen and financial analysis capability.
- Advanced proficiency in accounting systems and Microsoft Excel.
- Experience using and supporting operational systems that generate financial transactions.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience within racing, agribusiness, hospitality or service-based industries will be highly regarded.
- High level of integrity, attention to detail and sound judgement.
Other Requirements
- Current driver's licence and willingness to travel between business locations.
- Flexibility to work outside standard business hours where required to support operational and reporting deadlines.
- Commitment to workplace health and safety practices.
- Willingness to undergo a National Police Check as a condition of employment.
