Senior Finance Manager

Role overview

This is a 12-month senior finance position covering parental leave. The role leads the finance function from the Collingwood studio and works closely with the CEO while also supporting the Finance Officer. It suits someone who values strong financial controls, accurate records, and the chance to support purpose-led work.

The position is responsible for keeping day-to-day finance operations across multiple trading entities running smoothly, ensuring compliance, and delivering reliable numbers that help the leadership team make informed decisions. You will also be part of a collaborative studio environment with support from external bookkeeping partners and access to a range of employee benefits.

Key duties

• Serve as a financial advisor to the executive group on the business's commercial performance
• Work with external accountants to maintain sound fiscal management
• Lead and coordinate external bookkeeping support
• Maintain and update cash flow forecasts, while identifying risks and potential improvements early
• Manage renewal of current contracts and negotiate new agreements where needed
• Handle daily bank, credit card, and transaction reconciliations across all entities and keep cash flow forecasting current
• Oversee accounts payable and receivable, including payment runs, supplier reconciliations, and more complex invoicing matters
• Run payroll processing, including leave, PAYG, superannuation, and payroll tax
• Prepare monthly management reports covering profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow, plus board-level commercial summaries
• Ensure compliance with BAS, FBT, workers compensation, ASIC, ATO lodgements, insurance renewals, software renewals, and other statutory obligations, supported by external accountants
• Partner with the delivery team to provide accurate and timely client reporting
• Support studio-wide operations as part of the studio support services team
• Respond to finance-related queries from across the studio, including project profitability questions and one-off payroll issues

Candidate profile

The ideal person brings substantial experience in a senior finance role or in leading a finance function, preferably in a services, agency, or project-based environment. You should be confident managing the full finance cycle, from daily processing through to monthly reporting and compliance obligations.

Strong knowledge of Australian payroll, GST, BAS, and superannuation is essential, along with experience working across multiple entities. You should be comfortable reviewing financial information, spotting inconsistencies, and ensuring accuracy.

Experience with Xero is important. Familiarity with a time and billing platform such as StreamTime, as well as Fathom, would be an advantage.

We are also looking for someone who stays organised during busy month-end periods, works calmly and accurately, takes responsibility for their work, and raises issues early when support is needed. The role requires someone who can explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues, with patience, warmth, and a sense of humour. Alignment with the organisation's values of kindness, care, and lightness is important.

About the organisation

Today is a highly recognised Australian social impact agency using design and technology to drive meaningful change at scale. The team brings together strategists, researchers, designers, technologists, and makers to work with government, not-for-profit, and industry partners on complex social and environmental challenges.

The organisation is purpose-driven and focused on care, craft, and outcomes that make a difference.

Work arrangement and contract details

This is a full-time fixed-term contract for 12 months, covering parental leave, with an ideal start in early August. The role is based in the Collingwood studio on Wurundjeri Country. Hybrid working is possible, although there is a preference for spending most of the time in the studio.

Applicants must be legally permitted to work in Australia without restrictions.

Hiring process

• Submit your application, including a cover letter if possible
• Have an introductory call with the People Lead or the CEO
• Attend an interview for a deeper discussion
• Visit the studio, meet the team, and experience the workplace
• Receive an offer if selected

Commitment to inclusion

The organisation is committed to inclusive hiring as part of its Innovate RAP commitments. Applications are encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, mature-age workers, and LGBTQIA+ candidates.

Even if you do not meet every requirement, you are still encouraged to apply. If you need any adjustments to make the process more accessible, you are invited to request them.

Benefits

The role comes with generous employee benefits, including flexibility, events, wellness support, and strong leave entitlements.