About:

Collins Executive Recruitment is exclusively partnering with a PE-backed defence and maritime engineering business to appoint a Financial Controller to lead its Australian finance function.

As the country head of finance, you will take ownership of local finance and work directly with the Managing Director on the decisions shaping the business. Reporting to an overseas Group CFO, you will combine hands-on financial leadership with meaningful involvement in pricing, contracts, investment and growth.

The business brings together the appeal of a small, personable team with the backing and international reach of a wider group. It operates in a specialised market and has exciting plans for its next stage of growth. This newly created position offers the opportunity to shape the finance function around those plans.

Why consider the opportunity?

- Genuine ownership: lead finance for the Australian business, with responsibility across financial control, planning and commercial support.
- Direct influence: work closely with the MD on tenders, pricing, payment terms and investment decisions.
- A great team: join a close-knit business where relationships matter and your contribution is visible.
- Scope to make improvements: strengthen reporting, processes and financial insight as the business grows.

Upon successful hire:

You will remain close to the detail, including day-to-day accounting and invoicing,



while giving management a clear view of performance and the financial implications of commercial decisions.

Key responsibilities include:

- Leading month-end close, management reporting and group reporting.
- Owning budgets, forecasts, cash flow and working capital.
- Overseeing financial controls, Australian tax compliance, statutory reporting and audit requirements.
- Supporting pricing, bids, contracts and investment analysis.
- Improving finance processes and reporting, working with external accountants and auditors.

Your background:

- You will be a qualified CA, CPA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent, with experience leading finance for an SME, subsidiary or business unit. This could suit an established Financial Controller who enjoys staying hands-on and working closely with the business, or an experienced Finance Manager ready to step into broader responsibility.
- Strong Australian reporting, tax and compliance knowledge is important, alongside the ability to work effectively within an international or multi-entity group.
- Defence, engineering, manufacturing or technology experience would be valuable. Exposure to PE-backed businesses, finance systems projects, ASDEFCON or CASG cost principles would be helpful, but is not essential.

Next Steps:

Apply with your CV or contact Collins Executive Recruitment. All applications will be treated in strict confidence.

📌 Financial Controller - PE-backed Defence & Maritime Engineering (North Sydney)
🏢 Collins Executive Recruitment
📍 North Sydney