Ap & Ar Manager

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Location: Sydney (Summer Hill NSW 2130)
Established in 2000, Montessori Academy is Australia's leading and largest Montessori childcare group with a portfolio of 50+ operational childcare centres.
Regarded as a market leader in occupancy rates and achieving double digit top line growth, the company was acquired by a Hong Kong listed property and services group in 2019.
For more information:
About the role:
The AP & AR Manager is responsible for overseeing the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions for the Montessori Academy Group.
This role ensures financial accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across all transactional processes, with a strong focus on government funding, granular cost control, and process improvement.
The successful candidate will lead a small team, maintain hands-on knowledge of all roles within the team, and act as a key backup when needed to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
Our Head Office is based in Summer Hill, with on-site parking, access to some gym facilities and significant childcare benefits for the successful candidate.
Key Responsibilities
Manage the end-to-end Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions, ensuring timely and accurate processing of invoices, payments, billing, and collections
Monitor and manage government funding claims and reporting, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and internal policies
Maintain granular cost control by tracking expenditures, analysing variances, and supporting budget adherence across business units
Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives to streamline financial workflows, reduce inefficiencies, and improve data accuracy
Maintain a deep working knowledge of all direct reports' responsibilities to provide backup support as required and ensure business continuity
Prepare and deliver regular reporting on AP/AR performance, cash flow, cost control, and funding compliance to senior management
Ensure internal controls are upheld and processes are compliant with company standards and audit requirements
Collaborate cross-functionally with finance, administration, and operational teams to resolve discrepancies and improve the overall efficiency of shared services
Contribute to month-end and year-end closing processes related to accounts payable and receivable
Mentor, support, and develop the AP/AR team, promoting accountability and professional growth
Manage a team of 2 direct and 6 indirect reports, across AR, and AP
Key Requirements
Solid experience in managing Accounts Payable and Receivable functions, ideally within an education, childcare, or government-funded environment
Strong understanding of government funding processes and compliance requirements
General understanding of accounting principles
Demonstrated ability to manage costs effectively at a detailed level and contribute to financial planning.
Proven leadership skills with the ability to support, train, and develop a high-performing team.
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills with a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach.
High level of proficiency with accounting software and Microsoft Excel.
Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and deadline management.
Ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Willingness to take a hands-on role and step in to support day-to-day processing as needed.
Working rights in Australia
Highly desirable or highly regarded
Childcare industry or multi-site / centre experience
Working experience of MYOB Advanced (Acumatica) and ProSpend systems
Think you have what it takes to join the Montessori Academy team?
We'd love to hear from you
To apply now please click through to our application.
Alternatively, contact Human Resources at [emailprotected]
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