Business Operations Manager

Client

Daley & Co is a leading accounting and advisory firm, headquartered in Wollongong, with over 60 staff and 9 Partners and servicing clients across Sydney, Wollongong and Bowral. The firm is proud of its organic growth, strong professional reputation, and commitment to evolving its people, culture, and technology.

Following a period of Partner-led operations since 2020, Daley & Co is now seeking a Business Manager to provide strategic HR and operational leadership, restoring centralised oversight, structure, and direction across the firm’s non-client-facing functions.

Role Overview

This Business Manager role is a pivotal leadership position responsible for driving the firm/'s HR strategy, operational delivery, and strategic project execution. The role has a strong emphasis on people leadership, performance frameworks, and change management, requiring someone who can confidently own key functions, push back where needed, and drive initiatives to completion.

The successful candidate will have a background in HR, experience in professional services (ideally accounting/financial services), and be comfortable leading across people, process, and systems. They will be a trusted advisor to the Partner group and a key conduit between leadership and staff.

Key Responsibilities

People & Culture Leadership

- Drive the performance framework including competency structure, balanced scorecards, KPIs, and remuneration data collation.
- Lead all HR functions including workforce planning, recruitment, on-boarding, and policy development.
- Lead the performance review cycle, coach senior managers in conducting meaningful reviews and follow-ups.
- Maintain and develop core HR policies and procedures (Code of Conduct, WHS, Grievance & Disciplinary, etc.).
- Champion culture-building initiatives aligned with the firm/'s values and vision.
- Act as the go-between for staff and the Partnership – identifying gaps in engagement, morale, and processes early.
- Coordinate professional development, CA programs, and CPD compliance.
- Support performance management processes including coaching, PIPs, and if necessary, disciplinary action.

Operational Oversight & Project Management

- Provide operational leadership across admin, systems, and supplier relationships.
- Oversee payroll processing (excluding payment file) and manage leave tracking and approvals.
- Manage office procurement, insurance renewals, supplier performance, and workplace compliance.
- Lead critical firm-wide projects including tech stack review, implementation of AI tools, and systems upgrades.
- Support the SMT in strategic execution and prioritisation of internal initiatives.
- Manage internal communications and ensure alignment across offices and teams.
- Travel to Bowral office periodically to maintain visibility and support on-site processes.

Strategy, Tech, and Future Growth

- Be the internal project lead on AI integration and future-facing business solutions.
- Collaborate with tech providers across the tech stack used in the business to identify opportunities for efficiency/'s and enhancements.
- Support upcoming business transformations including re-branding and cultural refreshes.
- Identify and champion innovation and operational improvements across all functions.

Key Attributes for Success

- Confident and composed – able to “hold their own” with senior stakeholders.
- Naturally proactive with a strong sense of ownership.
- Strong EQ – trusted by staff, respected by Partners.
- Commercially savvy with the ability to align people and operations with business goals.
- Capable of pushing back constructively and offering clear recommendations.
- Well-versed in navigating the dynamics of professional services partnerships.

Successful candidate

- Proven experience in a senior HR or Business Manager role.
- Experience in financial services, accounting, or professional services environments.
- Demonstrated ability to manage performance frameworks and drive cultural alignment.
- Project management skills, particularly leading multi-department initiatives.
- Excellent interpersonal and leadership capabilities.
- CA, CPA, AICD (or equivalent) would be a good to have but not essential.

Contact details - ashleyduffy@future-you.com.au

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