Independent Education | Northern Beaches, Sydney An opportunity has become available for an experienced Finance Manager to join an established independent school based on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Reporting to the Director of Business Services, this is a broad and hands-on position responsible for leading the finance function, overseeing financial operations, reporting, payroll governance and compliance.

Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will provide financial insight to support decision-making while ensuring the effective management of the school's financial operations.

This is a varied role offering responsibility across both strategic and operational finance, with the opportunity to lead a team and contribute to ongoing improvements across systems, processes and financial controls.

About the Role

Your responsibilities will include

- Leading the day-to-day finance function and overseeing the integrity of financial records and reporting.
- Preparing monthly management accounts, financial statements and variance analysis.
- Managing annual budgeting, forecasting and cash flow reporting.
- Providing financial analysis and advice to support strategic planning and business decisions.
- Overseeing fortnightly payroll operations, including payroll governance, reconciliations and compliance.
- Ensuring compliance across payroll, superannuation, taxation and employee entitlements.
- Overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, fee administration and other revenue streams.
- Managing balance sheet reconciliations,



fixed assets and financial controls.
- Coordinating external audits and supporting governance and committee reporting.
- Identifying opportunities to improve financial processes, systems and operational efficiency.
- Leading, developing and supporting the finance team.

About You To be successful in this position, you will bring:

- A tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance or Commerce.
- CA or CPA qualified, or substantial progress towards completion.
- Solid experience in a senior finance or Finance Manager position.
- A solid understanding of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial controls.
- Strong payroll knowledge, including payroll oversight, compliance and reconciliations.
- Experience managing and developing a finance team.
- Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work with stakeholders at all levels.
- A proactive approach to improving financial processes and systems.

Experience within an independent school, Catholic education or broader not-for-profit environment will be highly regarded. Experience with school finance and payroll systems will also be advantageous.

The Details

- Location: Northern Beaches, Sydney
- Position: Permanent, full-time
- Salary: Negotiable based on experience

If you are an experienced finance professional looking for a broad leadership opportunity within the education sector, I'd be interested in hearing from you.

📌 Finance Manager (Sydney)
🏢 Appreciating Talent
📍 Sydney