Commercial Finance Manager

Who We Are:

Part of the JKLP Group, a Melbourne-based entity known for creating memorable experiences, the group includes the fabulous Jackalope Hotel, the stellar Rare Hare Wines, the awe-inspiring Rain Room Australia, and as mentioned the always delicious Black Star Pastry.

Black Star Pastry opened its first boutique patisserie in Newtown in 2008 and since then we have grown into an institution with stores across Sydney and Melbourne.

We are most famous for our Strawberry Watermelon Cake which has become a social media sensation, with the New York Times declaring it "the world's most instagrammed cake."

The Role:

As Commercial Finance Manager, you'll be the financial backbone of our business—driving performance, ensuring compliance, and enabling strategic decision-making. You'll oversee budgeting, forecasting, and reporting across the group, with a strong focus on cost control, inventory efficiency, and labour optimisation. You'll also lead business analysis and weekly performance reviews, while ensuring full compliance with tax and accounting obligations.

A day in the life could include any of the following

• Be the go-to financial contact for Black Star Pastry's operational teams. Build strong relationships with business unit managers, acting as their financial advisor and offering guidance.
• Contribute to our strategic planning efforts by providing insights that keep our performance on track.
• Keep an eagle eye on functions to find chances for financial enhancement like cost savings and process improvements.
• Help business unit managers master the art of cost management and spot those elusive cost-saving opportunities.
• Get ready to transform numbers into insights Prepare and share weekly sales reports, COGS figures, and analyses of campaigns. Illuminate stakeholders with timely and accurate insights.
• Team up with our Accounts Officer to oversee merchandise reporting and inventory management.
• Take the lead in our month-end reporting by diving deep into the business' performance.
• Review and offer a helping hand with balance sheet reconciliations, including payroll accruals and lodgement, all prepared by our Accounts Officer.
• Keep the financial wheels turning by coordinating and reviewing payables, receivables, and intercompany recharges in partnership with our Accounts Officer.
• Safeguard our assets by overseeing fixed asset registers, operating equipment, supplies, and inventory record keeping.
• Put your budgeting cape on Collaborate with the BSP General Manager and business unit leaders to craft budgets that keep us aligned with our financial trajectory.
• Embrace the role of process improvement guru. Develop new procedures that tighten our financial controls and keep our internal environment in check.
• Be the mastermind behind financial information preparation. Assist with external financial accounts, bank covenant requirements, and even tax returns, collaborating with our Payroll Manager as needed.
• Be the CFO's right hand, helping with any special requests and exciting projects that pop up on the Executive Team's radar.

The Successful Candidate

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; CPA/CA
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a commercial finance role, ideally within hospitality or FMCG
• Strong understanding of inventory management, labour budgeting, and cost control
• Experience with tax compliance including BAS, payroll tax, and superannuation
• Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with financial systems (e.g., Xero, Tanda, Deputy)
• Precision in working with numbers and maintaining accurate financial records – attention to detail.
• Critical thinking and willingness to learn, identifying issues along the way and contributing to solutions.
• Excellent communication skills and the capability to connect with both internal and external customers (e.g. suppliers) and provide a high level of service.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and remain calm and attentive in a high-volume environment.
• Strong team player with the ability to work independently.

Why Black Star Pastry?

We're not just a workplace; we're a financial adventure waiting to be explored. Join us, and you'll have a front-row seat to our meteoric growth and enjoy working with a team of hands-on and autonomous professionals who get the job done and have fun while doing it.

We are passionate about our brand and enjoy a down-to-earth cohesive working environment and awesome Star Benefits that include:

• Birthday leave - one additional annual leave day per year to be taken within a week of your birthday.
• Well-being leave - one additional annual leave day to be taken for mental health & well-being.
• Birthday cake - complimentary 4-portion cake of employee's choice to be taken within a week of your birthday.
• Free, confidential counselling, support and advice through ConnectPsych.

How to Get Onboard

If this sounds like the perfect next step for you please APPLY NOW with your resume and cover letter.