Racing Australia is the peak body for Australian breeding and racing consisting of the six State and two Territory racing authorities which are recognised by the Australian Rules of Racing as Principal Racing Authorities (PRAs).

This industry is one of the iconic industries of the nation with a long and proud history of achievement. As an industry, their economic contribution is around $13.5 billion with 51 per cent (or $6.9 billion) of economic activity generated in regional Australia. The Thoroughbred racing industry provides jobs for approximately 75,000 Australians and nearly 160,000 participate in the Thoroughbred racing industry as a participant, employee or volunteer - 63 per cent of whom reside in regional areas. This includes 21,425 volunteers who assist and support racing clubs and participants. No industry or sport covers the breadth of Australia like Thoroughbred Racing.

Position Overview

Racing Australia is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join their small but influential organisation. Representing and supporting a major sporting industry, their organisation plays a critical leadership role in governance, strategy, advocacy, and industry operation and development.

As a key member of the executive team, the CFO will be responsible for both the day-to-day financial operations of the organisation and providing high-level strategic financial advice to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who is equally comfortable managing daily accounting functions as they are contributing to long-term organisational planning, governance, and financial strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Manage all day-to-day financial operations including accounts payable and receivable, payroll, reconciliations, and cash flow management

Prepare monthly management accounts, financial reports, and quarterly board reporting packs

Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes

Monitor organisational performance against budget and provide analysis and recommendations

Ensure accurate and timely preparation of annual financial statements





Coordinate and manage the annual external audit process

Maintain solid internal financial controls and risk management processes

Oversee taxation compliance including BAS, GST, PAYG, FBT, and other statutory obligations

Manage banking relationships, investments, and treasury functions

Manage oversight of the Jockey Insurance Program funding

Manage oversight of Racing Materials wholesaler program

Manage oversight of Bureau Services Service Level Agreements to Principal Racing Authorities

Strategic Leadership

Provide strategic financial advice to the CEO and Board to support informed decision-making

Contribute to organisational strategy, business planning, and long-term financial sustainability

Identify opportunities for improved operational efficiency and financial performance

Support the development and evaluation of commercial opportunities, partnerships, and industry initiatives

Assist in funding strategy, grant management, and stakeholder reporting where required

Provide financial modelling and scenario planning for major projects and strategic initiatives

Governance & Board Support

Act as a trusted advisor to the Board on financial governance and risk

Prepare high-quality board papers, reports, and recommendations

Ensure compliance with regulatory, legal, and governance obligations

Support company secretary functions as required, including policy oversight and governance frameworks

Assist with risk management and organisational compliance programs

Leadership & Culture

Contribute positively to a collaborative and high-performing workplace culture

Contribute positively as a member of the executive team in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer and General Counsel.





Support and mentor staff in financial processes and accountability

Work closely across all functions of the organisation to ensure strong financial discipline and understanding

Oversee the Human Resource function in conjunction with the COO and General Counsel

Skills & Experience

CPA or CA qualified

Significant senior finance experience, ideally in a small to medium-sized organisation where hands-on financial management is required

Strong technical accounting capability with excellent attention to detail

Experience preparing board reports and presenting to senior leadership and boards

Strong strategic thinking and commercial acumen

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Proven ability to work autonomously and manage competing priorities

High levels of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment

Resident in, and with unrestricted working rights for Australia

Knowledge and understanding of thoroughbred racing highly desirable

Experience within sport, bureau service, membership organisations, or industry associations

Understanding of governance frameworks relevant to sporting organisations

Experience with competitive stakeholder environments

Company secretariat or governance experience

Personal Attributes

Pragmatic and solutions-focused

Strategic thinker with strong business judgment

Comfortable operating in a small team environment

Hands-on, adaptable, and willing to work across both strategic and operational matters

Trusted advisor with excellent relationship-building skills

Passion for sport and contributing to industry leadership

Excellent written and spoken English language skills

Why Join Racing Australia

This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role in an organisation that shapes and supports a major sporting industry. You will work closely with the CEO, Board and Executive team, influence strategic direction, and make a meaningful impact across the thoroughbred racing industry.

Please Note: Only applicants who live and work in Australia without visa / other restrictions will be considered.

Applications close on the 13th of August.

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📌 Chief Finance Officer (Melbourne)
🏢 The Friday Group
📍 Melbourne