Financial Controller

The Company

Our client is one of Australia's most respected and esteemed professional services firms, renowned for delivering strategic, commercially driven advice to a diverse portfolio of high-profile organisations, sophisticated private clients, and large family enterprises. With a national presence and an enviable reputation for excellence, the firm is regularly engaged in high-impact matters, major transactions, and complex commercial challenges.

The Role

Reporting directly to the CFO, the Financial Controller leads the firm's financial management and operational finance function. You will oversee all core accounting activities such as, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, payroll, working capital, trust accounting and financial analysis, whilst driving continuous improvement across systems, processes, and reporting frameworks.

This is both a hands-on and strategic leadership position. You will develop and mentor a high-performing finance team, provide commercially focused insights to senior stakeholders, and influence firm-wide decision-making within a dynamic, intellectually stimulating environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of five, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Set clear expectations aligned with the firm's financial goals and ensure the delivery of high-quality support to internal stakeholders.

Management Accounting

• Deliver accurate monthly financial results and departmental P&Ls.
• Partner with the CFO to drive insights into profitability, utilisation, recovery matter performance and business drivers.
• Lead annual budgeting, rolling forecasts and variance analysis, providing valuable commentary to senior stakeholders.
• Support data-driven decision-making with actionable commercial insights.
• Drive cost management initiatives and assess business cases for operational efficiency.

Financial Accounting, Payroll & Compliance

• Oversee the preparation of annual financial statements and all external audit processes.
• Manage statutory and tax compliance requirements, including BAS, FBT and associated reconciliations.
• Supervise end-to-end payroll, including monthly processing, superannuation, adjustments and relevant tax obligations.
• Prepare profit forecasts, tax reconciliations and professional services income calculations.
• Produce accurate partner income and annual distribution statements.

Projects, Systems & Process Improvement

• Contribute to finance, IT and cross-functional projects aimed at enhancing accuracy, efficiency and automation.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process innovation within the finance function.
• Document and embed best-practice financial processes across the organisation.

Reporting & Insights

• Deliver high-quality financial reporting and tailored analysis for partners and senior leaders.
• Lead benchmarking and survey reporting processes.
• Provide clear, commercial commentary to support strategic decision-making.

External Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Manage key relationships with banks, auditors, accountants, insurers and technology partners.
• Negotiate supplier contracts and oversee annual banking facility reviews.
• Monitor banking covenants and ensure compliance with financial obligations.

Working Capital & Cashflow Management

• Drive strong working capital performance, with a focus on billing, collections and WIP management.
• Manage partner capital contributions, loans and equity reconciliations.
• Maintain accurate cashflow forecasting and liquidity planning frameworks.
• Provide recommendations to enhance the firm's financial resilience

Your Profile

About You

You are an experienced, commercially minded finance leader with deep technical expertise and a passion for elevating financial operations.

You will bring:

• CA/CPA qualification with 10+ years' experience in finance or accounting roles (professional services experience highly regarded).
• Minimum 5 years' experience in finance leadership, with demonstrated capability in developing and empowering teams.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, particularly in partnership and trust structures.
• Proven capability in process improvement and leveraging technology to drive efficiency and accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust across all levels of the organisation.
• Advanced financial analysis, problem-solving and project management skills.
• High attention to detail, strong time management, and comfort operating in an environment with competing priorities.
• Commercial acumen, proactive thinking, and the confidence to challenge the status quo.

Why This Role?

This is an exceptional leadership opportunity within a prestigious, values-driven firm known for its culture of excellence, collaboration, and long-term stability. You will work closely with highly respected senior leaders, influence key strategic decisions, and play a pivotal role in driving the firm's financial performance and operational sophistication.

How to Apply

If you are a senior finance leader seeking a high-impact role within a reputable and established professional services organisation, we would love to hear from you.

Reference Number: * LH***

This is an on-site position.

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