Financial Controller

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About us: Sustainable Life is a dynamic and fast-growing general advise licensee that was founded in 2016 with a simple yet ambitious goal; to make life insurance accessible to all Australians, whilst supporting advice practices in navigating the ever-changing landscape of regulation and compliance. Today, we're in the Top 20 Licensees as highlighted in the latest NMG report, December 2024.

Our technology platform is not just a tool but a lifeline; it streamlines efficiencies, lowers the cost to serve, manages compliance requirements (without compromising on the client experience) and empowers the client to make informed financial decisions.

At Sustainable Life Group, we're more than just a technology-backed advice platform. We're partners in building a sustainable, compliant, and successful life insurance future with consumers at our core.

About the role:

We're looking for an experienced Financial Controller to develop and lead our finance function, ensuring financial integrity, compliance, and business growth – managing and controlling all financial related activities of the business. This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is hands-on with financial operations, and can provide strategic insights to drive the business forward. You will be responsible for managing the financial health of the business, ensuring strong financial controls, and providing strategic guidance to support business growth.

A few of your responsibilities:

1. Financial strategy
   • Lead the financial planning and analysis function, providing insights to drive strategic decision-making.
   • Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with business growth objectives.
   • Provide financial leadership to support commercial decision-making and long-term planning.
   • Work closely with the CEO and leadership team to forecast revenue, expenses, and profitability.
   • Manage all accounting operations and accuracy of financial reports, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.
   • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including ASIC, APRA, and other financial reporting standards.
   • Manage statutory reporting, tax obligations, and financial audits, ensuring all filings are completed on time.
   • Maintain strong financial controls, mitigating risk and ensuring the integrity of financial data.
   • Work closely with external auditors, tax professionals, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance.
   • Support month end and year end close process.
2. Budgeting, forecasting & cost control
   • Develop and manage annual budgets, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
   • Conduct financial forecasting and cash flow management, identifying risks and opportunities.
   • Monitor and control operating expenses, ensuring financial efficiency and cost optimisation.
   • Provide financial insights to drive profitability and revenue growth strategies.
   • Identify and mitigate financial risks, ensuring business continuity and stability.
   • Implement best practice financial governance and reporting frameworks.
   • Ensure the business maintains adequate capital reserves and liquidity to meet regulatory requirements.
   • Manage financial risk exposure, including currency, interest rate, and market risks.
3. Operational finance
   • Recruit an inhouse finance function.
   • Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll functions.
   • Optimise financial processes and systems to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
4. Business performance analysis
   • Analyse key financial metrics, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
   • Provide insights on business performance, profitability, and cost efficiencies.
   • Support commercial teams with financial modelling and scenario analysis.
   • Develop dashboards and reports that provide real-time financial insights to decision-makers.

Who we're looking for:

Over 5 years' experience in a finance role, preferably within financial services or life insurance.
CA/CPA qualification (or equivalent) is required.
Degree in Economics, Business, Accounting, Commerce or Finance.
Strong technical knowledge of financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
Experience in a highly regulated environment, ideally in life insurance or financial services.
Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to drive financial strategy.
Hands-on experience in financial planning, budgeting, and cost control.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven mindset.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, able to present financial insights to non-finance teams.
Ability to work independently, take ownership of the finance function, and support business growth.

What it's like to work for us:

We're a team of passionate and agile people, who're dedicated to making a meaningful difference for Australians and the financial advice practices we support. Our vision goes beyond being a workplace – we're here to drive positive change in the industry and creating lasting impact for our clients.

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• How many years' experience do you have as a financial controller?
• What's your expected annual base salary?
• Have you completed a qualification in finance?
• Have you completed a certified practising accountant (CPA) qualification?