Hawthorn Early Years (HEY) is looking for an experienced Business Manager – Finance & Operations to join our team and take the lead across our finance, accounts and business operations.
This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys working across the detail of day-to-day finances while also being able to step back, look at the bigger picture and help guide financial planning and decision-making.
Working closely with our Centre Director and leadership team, you'll have responsibility for payroll, accounts, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and expenditure, while helping us maintain strong financial systems and support the ongoing sustainability of HEY.
About the Role
You'll oversee our core financial processes, keep a close eye on budgets and expenditure, ensure payroll and accounts are accurate and up to date, and provide our Centre Director and leadership team with clear financial information to support decision-making.
We're looking for someone who is comfortable taking ownership of their work, can identify when something doesn't quite add up, and isn't afraid to make recommendations or suggest a better way of doing things. Experience within the early childhood, education or not-for-profit sector would be highly regarded, particularly an understanding of the financial and operational requirements of a community-based organisation; however, we also welcome applicants from other industries who can bring strong, transferable finance and business management experience to the role.
What's involved
Managing and processing payroll through appropriate systems and platforms, experience in ADP is desired.
Preparing, monitoring and reviewing budgets
Providing monthly financial reporting to the Governing Board through scheduled finance and service meetings.
Managing accounts, invoices, payments and financial records
Monitoring expenditure, revenue and overall financial performance
Supporting accounts payable and approval processes
Preparing financial reports and forecasts
Supporting cash-flow and financial planning
Maintaining accurate financial systems and processes




Supporting financial compliance and governance requirements
Identifying financial risks, opportunities and areas for improvement
Liaising with accountants, suppliers, contractors and external providers
Providing financial information and advice to the Centre Director and leadership team
Supporting broader business and administration processes where required
Maintaining confidentiality and accuracy across all financial information
Governance & Organisational Administration
The Business Manager will also support the Centre Director and Governing Board with key organisational and statutory administration. This may include:
Maintaining HEY's ACNC registration and organisational records, including updating responsible persons/Board members, completing relevant checks and supporting the submission of financial and operational information and signed financial reports.
Managing relevant Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) administrative and reporting requirements on behalf of the organisation, as delegated by the Board/Secretary.
Maintaining HEY's organisational details and authorised access across the Australian Business Register (ABR) and Relationship Authorisation Manager (RAM).
Coordinating updates to organisational registrations, authorised representatives and government portals as required.
Working closely with the Centre Director, Treasurer, Secretary and broader Governing Board to ensure statutory and governance information remains current, accurate and appropriately maintained.
Supporting annual reporting, financial reporting and other governance-related administrative requirements.
Maintaining appropriate records,



access controls and handover documentation for key organisational systems and registrations.
Undertaking other finance, governance and business administration responsibilities delegated by the Centre Director or Governing Board within the scope of the position.
What you'll bring;
You don't necessarily need to come from early childhood. What's most important to us is that you have strong financial and business experience, enjoy taking ownership of your work and can work confidently as part of a close-knit team.
We'd love to hear from you if you have:
Experience in business management, finance, accounts or a similar role
Strong experience with budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting
Payroll and accounts experience
A good understanding of reconciliations, financial controls and compliance
Excellent attention to detail
Robust organisational and time-management skills
The ability to understand financial information and explain it clearly to others
Confidence working independently and making practical recommendations
Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach
The ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately
Why HEY?
Hawthorn Early Years is a community-based early childhood organisation with a strong history and a genuine connection to the children, families and community we support.
You'll be joining a team where this role has a real voice. We want someone who will get to know our organisation, understand how we operate and help us continue strengthening the financial and business side of HEY.
Your ideas will be welcomed, your expertise will be valued, and you'll work closely with our leadership team to help shape how we operate into the future.
Hawthorn Early Years is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and people of all genders, identities and lived experiences.
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📌 Business Manager – Finance & Operations (Melbourne)
🏢 Hawthorn Early Years
📍 Melbourne