Financial Controller

POSITION DESCRIPTION

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

Reports to: Founder | Will Lockett

Direct Report: Bookkeeper

Location: Perth, Western Australia

Remuneration: $180,000 + Superannuation

Annual Leave: Five (5) Weeks

Flexibility: One (1) day working from home following onboarding.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Financial Controller is responsible for leading the finance function of Specialist Finance Group and acting as a trusted commercial partner to the Founder. The role provides financial leadership, commercial insight and strategic support to ensure the business remains financially strong, operationally efficient and well positioned for continued growth.

Beyond the numbers, this role plays an important part in developing capability, creating confidence and contributing positively to the culture of the business.

FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP

The Financial Controller will take ownership of the financial management of the business, ensuring accurate reporting, effective governance and financial discipline. The role is responsible for delivering meaningful financial insights that support decision-making and provide confidence to the Founder and leadership team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparation and delivery of accurate monthly management accounts and reporting.
• Ownership of budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management.
• Management of statutory reporting obligations, including BAS, FBT, payroll tax and year-end requirements.
• Oversight of financial controls, policies and governance frameworks.
• Monitoring business performance and providing commercial insights and recommendations.

COMMERCIAL PARTNERSHIP

This role extends well beyond traditional financial reporting. The Financial Controller will partner closely with the Founder, providing strategic support, commercial advice and an alternative perspective when required.

The successful person will be comfortable participating in honest, robust and candid discussions and contributing to strategic thinking across the business.

Key responsibilities include:

• Financial modelling and scenario planning.
• Supporting strategic initiatives and growth opportunities.
• Providing commercial analysis and recommendations.
• Identifying risks, opportunities and areas for improvement.
• Assisting with business planning and decision-making.

SYSTEMS AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

The foundations of the business are strong and the systems are established. The opportunity is to build upon this by identifying opportunities for efficiencies, improving visibility and strengthening processes where appropriate.

The Financial Controller will bring curiosity, fresh thinking and a continuous improvement mindset.

Key responsibilities include:

• Building upon existing systems and processes, including MYOB.
• Identifying and implementing process improvements.
• Developing financial dashboards and reporting capability.
• Improving visibility of key financial metrics and business performance.
• Driving accountability and process discipline.

LEADERSHIP AND PEOPLE

Equally important is leadership capability.

The successful person will genuinely enjoy developing people, creating confidence and building capability within the finance function. They will be patient, approachable and committed to supporting others to learn and grow.

Leadership at Specialist Finance Group is built on relationships, trust and helping people succeed.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and mentoring the Bookkeeper.
• Creating an environment where people feel supported and accountable.
• Building capability, confidence and engagement.
• Fostering trusted relationships across the business.
• Contributing positively to culture and team performance.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

The successful person is likely to bring strong technical capability together with commercial acumen and an ability to partner effectively with entrepreneurial leadership.

Preferred experience and qualifications include:

• CA or CPA qualification.
• Experience as a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or Senior Commercial Finance Leader.
• Experience within financial services, insurance, wealth management, mortgage broking, professional services or other recurring revenue businesses.
• Experience partnering closely with founders, owners or executive leaders.
• Strong analytical, reporting and financial modelling capability.
• Advanced proficiency with MYOB and financial reporting systems.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Success in this role will be measured by both financial outcomes and leadership impact.

Measures of success include:

• Accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Forecast and budget accuracy.
• Effective cash flow management.
• Improved financial visibility and reporting capability.
• Identification and implementation of efficiencies and process improvements.
• Strong governance and compliance outcomes.
• Positive stakeholder feedback and trusted partnership with the Founder.
• Development and retention of the Bookkeeper.
• A finance function that creates confidence, capability and commercial value.

SUCCESS IN THE ROLE

The successful Financial Controller will become a trusted adviser to the Founder, contribute meaningfully to strategic decision-making. They will create confidence through numbers, capability through leadership and value through commercial insight.