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

Solid organisational and time-management skills

The ability to understand fina

📌 Business Manager – Finance (Melbourne)
🏢 Hawthorn Early Years
📍 Melbourne