Chief Financial Officer

EREA NSW Colleges Ltd. (EREA NSW Colleges) is a company limited by guarantee established by the Trustees of Edmund Rice Education Australia to ensure effective governance of seven mainstream schools in the Edmund Rice tradition in NSW.   EREA NSW Colleges is responsible for the strategic direction, financial management and legal obligations of its schools. Strict line-of-sight governance arrangements must be in place.

EREA NSW Colleges educates over 8,000 students and employs approximately 1,000 staff across the seven NSW schools.  It is part of a national network of Catholic schools in the Edmund Rice tradition, including 31 mainstream schools, 22 flexible learning Centres and 2 special schools. The national organisation educates over 40,000 students and employs over 4,500 people across their network with schools in every Australian state and territory.

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will report directly to the CEO EREA NSW Colleges. They will be responsible for business operations, finance and strategic stewardship of EREA NSW Colleges, including the seven schools.  The role assists and supports the CEO to lead operational capability across key areas including governance, strategy, financial reporting, legal and human resource management, accounting, and property and infrastructure.

Key responsibilities include:

• Financial Leadership and governance:   Lead the financial management, and sustainability of EREA NSW Colleges and ensure that appropriate financial resources are available and managed in line with Board and entity requirements, accepted financial standards, processes and procedures and relevant legislation.
• Financial Stewardship: Lead and oversee the establishment and operations of financial/ accounting systems of EREA NSW Colleges.
• Reporting: Provide timely, transparent disclosure to the Board and CEO on all financial performance aspects of the organisation including producing a periodic financial report with detailed commentary and analysis on the performance both operationally and financially.
• Audit: Ensuring adherence within EREA NSW Colleges to relevant compliance within established financial reporting standards, financial regulations and policies.
• Tax: Ensure the organisation's tax obligations are planned for and met, including FBT, GST and SGC obligations.
• Property, ICT & Corporate Services: In consultation with the CEO, prepare and implement a well-defined strategy for property, ICT and corporate services management aligned to business objectives and which ensures network, data and property security.
• Legal and Human Resources: Keeping the CEO appraised on relevant legal and/or industrial matters. Developing a sound working relationship with relevant Catholic education advisory bodies within the State/Diocese/Region;
• Strategy: Contributing to the formulation of strategic initiatives by conducting feasibility studies and preparing impact scenarios of proposed changes from the financial/resource perspective; Providing financial/resource information and advice as required by CEO and Board;

Additionally, the CFO may also perform duties within the within the accountability and level of the role as they emerge and as requested by the CEO. These additional duties will, in general, be mutually agreed by all parties.

Key Attributes and Experience

• Appropriate tertiary qualifications in Business/Commerce or equivalent with CPA or CA qualification.
• Strong strategic and organisational skills.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to manage the corporate functions of a complex organisation, including finance, human resources, property and infrastructure, and information technology.
• Effective leadership skills with the ability to motivate, influence and create collegial professional relationships.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to relate to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in the use of information and communication technologies.
• Understanding of or the ability to acquire understanding of the funding arrangements and reporting obligations surrounding the education sector.
• Understanding of, and commitment to the values of a Catholic educational network of schools in the Edmund Rice tradition.
• A commitment to the ongoing and proactive protection and safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk of abuse.

To obtain a copy of the Candidate Package please email: Applications close on Monday 3 November 2025 at 9am (AEDT).

All applicants will be subject to EREA and legislative screening procedures.  These checks are consistent with EREA's commitment to child protection policies and procedures.

The successful applicant must possess (or be eligible to obtain) and maintain a current Working with Children Check.

The successful applicant must be a registered teacher in NSW or be able to gain registration prior to the commencement of the position.

Edmund Rice Education Australia is committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing and dignity of all children and young people.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.