Financial Controller - Australia

Job Description:

Title: Financial Controller
Reports to: Principals

Role purpose:
Act as financial controller of the firm
Provide accurate, timely reports and information
Maintain financial controls, compliance
Support the business operational efficiency

Scope:
Internal firm finance (not client accounting)
Daily reconciliations, monthly reporting
Oversight of financial reporting, cash flow, WIP/debtors
Use of Xero accounting software

2. Key Responsibilities
A. Financial Reporting & Control
Prepare monthly management accounts (P&L, balance sheet, management reports)
Maintain general ledger integrity and reconciliation processes
Prepare monthly payroll, superannuation,
BAS quarterly reporting, Monthly IAS and tax compliance
Manage year-end financial statements
Banking support
Maintain internal controls and financial policies

B. Practice Performance & Profitability
Monitor:
WIP (Work in Progress)
Debtors / collections
Realisation and recovery rates
Analyse job profitability and margin by:
Principal
Service line
Provide monthly performance dashboards to principals

C. Cash Flow & Treasury
Manage firm cash flow forecasting (short and medium term)
Monitor working capital (especially debtors)
Oversee banking relationships and funding arrangements
Ensure timely billing and collections processes

D. Systems & Process Improvement
Maintain and optimise:
Xero accounting system
Xero Practice Manager (workflow and billing insights)
Improve financial reporting automation and dashboards
Drive process improvements across:
Billing
WIP management
Expense control
Support AI / digital initiatives (aligned with your current firm focus)

E. Budgeting & Forecasting
Lead annual budgeting process (firm-wide and by principal)
Track actual vs budget and variances
Provide scenario modelling (e.g. staffing, pricing, growth)

F. Governance & Compliance
Ensure compliance with:
Tax obligations (GST, PAYG, etc.)
Support principals with:
Financial reporting packs
Maintain documentation and financial policies

G. Stakeholder Management
Liaise with:
Principals
Office manager / admin team
Provide financial insights in principal meetings

3. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Timeliness and accuracy of monthly reporting
Debtors days / collection performance
WIP levels and lock-up
Budget vs actual variance control
Cash flow stability
Process efficiency improvements
Quality of insights provided to principals