Team Leader, Finance Operations

Finance Team Leader

ASAP Start

Permanent

The finance team leader is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day performance of the Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Disbursements teams within a fast-paced auction environment specialising in agricultural and engineering equipment.

This role ensures the accurate and timely processing of large volumes of financial transactions, including client settlements, vendor payments, and disbursements related to auction activities. The position plays a key part in maintaining financial integrity, ensuring compliance with internal controls, and driving continuous improvement across transactional finance processes.

As part of a global group, the role also involves close collaboration with corporate finance teams and adherence to international reporting and compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop two small teams (total of six staff) responsible for accounts receivable, accounts payable, and disbursements.
• Oversee all financial processing activities related to auction settlements, client funds management, and vendor disbursements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policy and statutory requirements.
• Review daily reconciliations of trust and operational bank accounts, identifying and resolving discrepancies promptly.
• Ensure timely and compliant payments to vendors and clients following auction events and contract settlements.
• Supervise invoicing, collections, and credit management to support positive cashflow and client satisfaction.
• Monitor workloads and performance across the financial operations team to ensure service levels and deadlines are consistently met.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders (Sales, Operations, and Group Finance) to resolve payment, settlement, or process issues.
• Contribute to the preparation of month-end reporting, accruals, and audit documentation.
• Identify process improvement opportunities, streamline workflows, and enhance financial system efficiency.
• Uphold a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement within the finance function.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Proven experience leading or supervising finance teams in a high-volume, transactional environment (e.g., auction, logistics, or distribution industry).
• Strong understanding of accounts payable, accounts receivable, disbursements, and reconciliations.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organisational skills, and time management.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a dynamic, customer-focused setting.
• Effective communication and leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and motivate small teams.
• High level of integrity and professionalism, particularly in handling client funds and sensitive financial information.
• Proficiency in accounting systems such as MYOB, Pronto, or ERP platforms, with advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on process accuracy and compliance.

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Business, or Finance (or equivalent practical experience).
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in financial operations, including team leadership responsibilities.
• Previous experience within a high transaction volume benficial
• Familiarity with trust accounting, disbursements, or client funds management is desirable.
• Exposure to multinational reporting structures or working within a global corporate group is advantageous.

At Empire Group, we value diversity and are committed to equitable recruitment. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and other underrepresented groups to apply. Our focus is on creating fair, accessible, and culturally safe recruitment processes that genuinely reflect and respect the communities we serve.