Finance & Administration Assistant Manager (Luxury Retail – Melbourne)

Cortina Watch is seeking a meticulous and highly organised Finance & Administration Assistant Manager to support our expanding operations in Melbourne. In this crucial role, you will be the administrative backbone of our local operations, ensuring seamless financial reporting, stringent inventory control for high-value luxury goods, and comprehensive HR and payroll administration. You will collaborate closely with management to support our retail footprint—including our boutiques on Collins Street and in Chadstone—maintaining the impeccable standards of compliance and internal controls that luxury retail demands. If you possess a strong analytical mindset, a profound understanding of Australian employment regulations, and a passion for operational excellence within the haute horlogerie sector, this is the perfect opportunity to grow with a regional leader.

Key Responsibilities

1. Inventory Management & Control (Luxury Goods Focus)

Maintain accurate records of high-value inventory (watches/jewellery) in the POS and ERP systems.

Perform daily stock movement reconciliation (sales, transfers, consignments, repairs, returns).

Coordinate and conduct monthly and ad-hoc physical stock counts, including reconciliation of variances and investigation of discrepancies.

Monitor inventory ageing, slow-moving and obsolete stock, and support management in provisioning and sell-through strategies.

Ensure compliance with brand principals’ inventory requirements, consignment terms, and audit standards.

Liaise with logistics partners and HQ on inter-company transfers, imports, exports, and customs documentation where required.

Maintain strong internal controls over inventory access, storage, and movement, in line with luxury retail security SOPs.

2. Monthly Financial Closing & Reporting

Prepare monthly management accounts in accordance with group reporting timelines.

Perform month-end closing activities, including:

Inventory valuation and cost of sales

Accruals, prepayments, and provisions

Inter-company reconciliations

Prepare supporting schedules for audit and internal review purposes.

Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis for boutique operations.

Ensure compliance with Australian accounting standards, GST requirements, and group accounting policies.

Liaise with external accountants, auditors, and tax agents as required.

3. Human Resources & Payroll Administration

Manage HR administration, including onboarding,



offboarding, employment contracts, personnel records, and employee documentation.

Maintain employee records, organisation charts and personnel files in compliance with Australian employment legislation, privacy requirements, and Group HR policies.

Administer leave records, attendance tracking, probation confirmations, and employee lifecycle documentation.

Support recruitment administration, including interview coordination, reference checks, pre-employment screening (including bankruptcy and other background checks where applicable), onboarding arrangements, and ensuring all required employment documentation is complete and properly maintained.

Process monthly payroll and liaise with external payroll providers to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing, including leave, commissions, incentives, and statutory payments.

Ensure payroll administration complies with Fair Work Australia requirements, applicable employment regulations, and company policies.

Support performance review cycles, commission calculations, and incentive administration.

Coordinate employee induction, mandatory training, and HR compliance and training records.

Act as the local HR liaison with Group HR on policy implementation, HR reporting, compliance matters, and employee administration.

Manage employee relations matters, performance management processes, disciplinary actions, and workplace concerns, while ensuring compliance with local employment regulations.

Support workplace health and safety (WHS) administration and maintain related records.

Maintain confidentiality of employee information and ensure compliance with internal controls, data privacy, and information security requirements.

Support other HR administration requests and ad-hoc HR matters as and when required by Management and Group HR.

4. Compliance, Controls & Administration

Ensure adherence to internal control frameworks, SOPs, and audit requirements.

Support internal and external audits, including stock audits and operational reviews.

Manage insurance documentation, licences, and statutory filings.

Provide ad-hoc financial, operational,



and administrative support to management as required.

Requirements & Attributes:

Degree or diploma in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline.

Minimum 3–5 years of proven experience in financial administration, inventory control, or HR, preferably within luxury retail, FMCG, or a high-value goods environment.

Strong hands‑on experience executing full‑cycle month‑end financial closing activities and high‑value inventory reconciliation.

Sound working knowledge of Australian accounting standards, GST requirements, and Fair Work Australia employment regulations.

High level of integrity, meticulous attention to detail, and the proven ability to manage highly confidential employee and financial information.

Proficiency in operating ERP and POS systems, alongside strong capabilities in Microsoft Excel.

Prior experience liaising with regional or HQ reporting structures and external auditors is highly advantageous.

Analytical Excellence: Strong numerical and analytical skills, with a distinct capability for precise variance analysis and revenue reconciliation.

Process Driven: Highly detail‑oriented with a robust control mindset, ensuring strict adherence to internal frameworks and luxury retail security SOPs.

Autonomy & Multitasking: Ability to work independently and manage diverse priorities—from payroll to stock audits—within a small, dynamic team environment.

Stakeholder Management: Effective interpersonal and communication skills to liaise seamlessly with HQ, external auditors, brand principals, and payroll providers.

What We Offer :

- Competitive Remuneration: Enjoy an attractive base salary package commensurate with the critical financial and administrative responsibilities of the role.
- Career Stability & Growth: Take ownership of our vital administrative operations in a premier retail market, with explicit pathways for professional development within a prestigious, publicly listed enterprise.
- Exposure to Haute Horlogerie: Immerse yourself in the world of high‑end luxury watchmaking by managing the financial and administrative framework that supports world‑class brand principals.
- Dynamic & Collaborative Environment: Work closely with a dedicated local management team, supporting top‑tier boutiques across Melbourne, while cultivating professional relationships with international colleagues, HQ, and key industry stakeholders.

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📌 Finance & Administration Assistant Manager (Luxury Retail – Melbourne)
🏢 Cortina Watch Pte
📍 Melbourne