Job Description
We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded andhands-on Group Finance Managerto take ownership of the finance function across a diversified group of businesses, with a primary focus on ourhigher education portfolio.
This is a broad, fast-paced role requiring someone who can quickly understand multiple businesses and take responsibility for their financial operationsconcurrently.
You will oversee several entities rather than focusing on one business at a time.
The successful candidate will ideally have finance experience within aUniversity, TAFE, College, School, Higher Education or similar regulated education environment, together with strong multi-entity accounting experience.
This is not purely a management or reporting position.
You must be comfortable working directly inXero, processing and reviewing transactions, managing payroll, AP/AR, invoicing and reconciliations, while also producing budgets, cash-flow forecasts, management accounts and Board-level reporting.
The majority of the role will support our education businesses, with additional responsibility for finance activities relating to property, real estate and other Group investments.
Group Finance Manager Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded andhands-on Group Finance Managerto take ownership of the finance function across a diversified group of businesses, with a primary focus on ourhigher education portfolio.
This is a broad, fast-paced role requiring someone who can quickly understand multiple businesses and take responsibility for their financial operationsconcurrently.
You will oversee several entities rather than focusing on one business at a time.
The successful candidate will ideally have finance experience within aUniversity, TAFE, College, School, Higher Education or similar regulated education environment, together with strong multi-entity accounting experience.
This is not purely a management or reporting position.
You must be comfortable working directly inXero, processing and reviewing transactions, managing payroll, AP/AR, invoicing and reconciliations, while also producing budgets, cash-flow forecasts, management accounts and Board-level reporting.
The majority of the role will support our education businesses, with additional responsibility for finance activities relating to property, real estate and other Group investments.
Key Responsibilities
Take ownership of the day-to-day finance function across multiple Group entities
Quickly develop an understanding of each business, its financial position, cash flow and reporting requirements
Maintain accurate financial records and accounts usingXero
Manage Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR)
Prepare and issue invoices and actively monitor outstanding receivables




Manage invoicing and financial administration relating to tenants, leases and property activities
Process and review financial transactions, journals and general ledger entries
Manage payroll, salary payments, payroll reconciliations and superannuation
Prepare monthly payroll journals and reconciliations
Manage month-end and year-end close processes across multiple entities
Perform balance sheet, bank and intercompany reconciliations and promptly investigate variances
Manage intercompany transactions and maintain accurate loan and related-party account records
Prepare BAS, IAS and GST reporting and assist with FBT and other statutory requirements
Maintain fixed asset registers, including capitalisation and depreciation
Prepare timely monthly management accounts and financial reports for senior management and Boards
Prepare and maintain annual budgets and rolling cash-flow forecasts
Monitor actual performance against budgets and forecasts and explain material variances
Maintain visibility over Group cash requirements and upcoming financial obligations
Support government funding, grants, acquittals and compliance reporting where applicable
Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, banks and professional advisers
Support internal and external audits and regulatory financial reporting requirements
Assist management with acquisitions, financial due diligence, completion accounts and integration of newly acquired businesses
Develop and improve financial controls, systems, policies and processes across the Group
Identify financial issues proactively and bring them to management's attention with recommended solutions
Provide financial and accounting support across property, real estate and other Group activities
Undertake other finance and accounting responsibilities reasonably required by management
Essential Requirements
Degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or a related discipline
CPA or CA qualification preferred
Demonstrated accounting or finance experience within aUniversity, TAFE, College, School, Higher Education or similar education environment
Demonstrated experience managing the finance function acrossmultiple entities or business units simultaneously
Strong hands-on experience usingXero
Proven experience managing AP, AR, invoicing, payroll and month-end processes
Strong general ledger, bank and balance sheet reconciliation experience




Experience managing intercompany transactions and reconciliations
Knowledge of BAS, IAS, GST, FBT and Australian statutory compliance requirements
Strong payroll, superannuation and associated compliance experience
Experience preparing monthly management accounts, budgets and cash-flow forecasts
Experience supporting internal and external audits
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to prioritise competing deadlines and work efficiently across multiple businesses
Ability to work independently, take ownership and complete tasks with minimal supervision
Strong communication skills and the ability to work directly with senior management
Highly Regarded
Experience with government-funded or regulated education providers
Understanding of Australian higher education, VET and/or international education
Experience with student revenue, FEE-HELP or government education funding
Experience with group consolidations
Exposure to property, commercial leasing or real estate accounting
Experience preparing Board and committee financial reporting
Experience supporting acquisitions, financial due diligence, completion accounts or post-acquisition integration
Experience improving finance systems and processes within growing businesses
The Person We Are Looking For
This role will suit someone who enjoys working in anentrepreneurial, growing and fast-moving organisationrather than a narrowly defined corporate finance position.
We are looking for someone who is:
Hands-on– willing to work directly in the accounts rather than simply supervising others
Quick and organised– able to understand several businesses and manage competing priorities
Commercially minded– able to look beyond the numbers and understand what they mean for the business
Proactive– identifies problems, follows them through and proposes solutions without waiting to be asked
Accountable– takes ownership of deadlines and deliverables
Adaptable– comfortable moving between education, property and other business activities
Management focused– able to turn financial information into useful reporting for decision-making
About the Role
You will work closely with the Group CEO and senior management and have visibility across multiple businesses, investments and acquisitions.
The position will be predominantly focused on our growing education portfolio, while also supporting the Group's property, real estate and investment activities.
This is an opportunity for an experienced Finance Manager to take genuine ownership of a growing Group finance function, improve its systems and reporting, and develop with the organisation as it expands.
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Group Finance Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Ustudy
📍 Melbourne