We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded and hands-on Group Finance Manager to take ownership of the finance function across a diversified group of businesses, with a primary focus on our higher education portfolio.

This is a broad, fast-paced role requiring someone who can quickly understand multiple businesses and take responsibility for their financial operations concurrently. You will oversee several entities rather than focusing on one business at a time.

The successful candidate will ideally have finance experience within a University, 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 in Xero, 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 and hands-on Group Finance Manager to take ownership of the finance function across a diversified group of businesses, with a primary focus on our higher education portfolio.

This is a broad, fast-paced role requiring someone who can quickly understand multiple businesses and take responsibility for their financial operations concurrently.



You will oversee several entities rather than focusing on one business at a time.

The successful candidate will ideally have finance experience within a University, TAFE, College, School, Higher Education or similar regulated education setting, together with strong multi-entity accounting experience.

This is not purely a management or reporting position. You must be comfortable working directly in Xero, 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 using Xero

- 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

📌 Group Finance Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Ustudy
📍 Melbourne