Finance Manager

Challenger Limited is an ASX-listed investment management firm managing $123.9 billion in assets (as at 30 June Life with us is fast moving and always exciting. Together we're driving to deliver our vision to provide our customers with financial security for a better retirement.

We achieve this goal by providing a work environment where people from diverse backgrounds, with a range of skills and experiences can contribute and succeed.

Join us as a Finance Manager in our Life Financial Control team

• This is a hands-on finance manager role where you'll lead a capable team, work across diverse asset classes, and contribute to high-value projects with visibility across Challenger Life's finance and investment teams.

• Gain exposure to new deals and strategic initiatives from the start — a rare opportunity for a stat/financial control role - You'll collaborate closely with innovative investment teams to understand how accounting treatments and reporting outcomes are shaped

• Thrive in a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating environment that's ideal for someone who enjoys learning, solving complex problems, and being part of a forward-thinking finance function.

• We offer a flexible hybrid working model based out of our Martin Place, Sydney CBD office — typically 3 days in-office and 2 days from home.

We're looking for an experienced Finance Manager who brings a strong technical foundation and sharp commercial insight. You'll already be operating at manager level in a complex finance environment, with a proven track record of leading teams and driving process improvements.

This role leads financial control and valuation oversight for Challenger Life's investment portfolios — spanning fixed income, alternatives, equities, infrastructure, and direct property. You'll manage two accountants and be responsible for financial control, valuation coordination, and stakeholder engagement across internal teams and external partners.

Life Financial Control works closely with:

• Life FP&A to ensure seamless alignment between statutory and management reporting.

• Front office teams to ensure investment strategies are accurately reflected in financial outcomes.

• Lead core financial control activities including month-end close, reconciliations, tax, and distributions.

• Own the general ledger across multiple entities, ensuring alignment with asset movements and investment activity.

• Coordinate valuation committee meetings, review inputs from external providers, and ensure accurate fair value assessments.

• Coach and develop two direct reports, fostering a culture of accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.

• You'll also play a key role in process improvement initiatives, including the upcoming system transition project to State Street.

• Contribute to statutory reporting, including Challenger Limited's ASX-listed financials, Tier 1 and Tier 2 general purpose statements, and audit processes.

• Ensure timely and accurate regulatory submissions (APRA, BAS, tax).

• Drive process improvements across reporting, controls, and data flows — including involvement in major system transitions (e.g. Charles River, State Street).

• Engage with front office, investment teams, and external partners to ensure accurate reporting and alignment.

You're an established Finance Manager with a logical mindset and a passion for improving processes. You enjoy diving into detail but also thrive when stepping back to drive broader initiatives and collaborate across teams.

• CA/CPA qualified with 3–5 years post-qualification experience, including time spent in a Finance Manager role within a complex financial environment.

• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including financial instruments (e.g. derivatives, fixed income, equities).

• Proven experience in statutory reporting, consolidations, and APRA/ASIC compliance.

• Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing or mentoring junior team members.

• Advanced Excel skills and a logical, analytical mindset — comfortable working with large data sets.

• Experience managing general ledger systems (e.g. Workday, Oracle) and ideally exposure to system migrations or data transitions.

• Strong organisational skills and a proactive approach to risk and controls.

Nice to have:

• Exposure to valuation processes or accounting for financial investments in a fair value environment.

• Familiarity with Charles River, State Street, or similar platforms.

• Interest in data-driven finance and emerging technologies (e.g. AI in finance).

Why Challenger?

At Challenger, we're small enough to be agile, but big enough to accelerate bold ideas. We support your growth and development, offering flexibility and a culture that values your unique contributions.

• Discretionary bonus scheme

• 18 weeks paid parental leave for all new parents

• Challenger Day – one extra day off every year in recognition of the effort our people make. 

• Additional support leave (fertility, gender affirmation)

• Extra superannuation contributions

• Employee share plan

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Subsidised on-site café and central location near Martin Place Metro

• Access to free onsite yoga, mindfulness and Pilates classes.

• Access to annual free flu shots.

Explore our benefits further:

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Challenger's employee value proposition guides how we work: Grow and realise your potential, supporting each other, stronger together and making things happen. Our culture encourages curiosity, considered thinking and meaningful contribution, with opportunities to build a broad and rewarding career.

We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace where people of all backgrounds, identities and ways of thinking can thrive, and promoting flexible working to support work-life balance. 

Challenger is proud to be a Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, a Family Friendly Workplace and recognised as a Bronze Employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), the national benchmark for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.

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