Financial Controller- Deaf Connect

Windsor Group has been commissioned by Deaf Connect to manage this important assignment. Windsor Group is a profit-for-purpose providing expert advice, HR services, executive search and recruitment services for executive, permanent and temporary/contract roles across nonprofit, commercial and government sectors.

Deaf Connect is the largest, whole-of-life service provider and social impact organisation for Deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing Australians. They stand with the Deaf community to build capacity and influence social change while paying respect to history, culture and language.

Deaf Connect was established through the unification of various Deaf societies and organisations across the country, merging their shared histories and experiences.

Offering a range of support nationally, these include interpreting services, individual support, aged care, early intervention, therapy, family services, and information and referral services. It is also the largest employer of Deaf and hard of hearing people in Australia and an approved provider of in-home care for seniors under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The organisation’s brand symbolises the intersectionality of the Deaf community with each circle representing a sub-group of Deafness in Australia. Together, they form a connected community that is represented by an implied centre circle.

Deaf Connect continues to work with all levels of government and private business as a strong voice for equality. It aims to empower local Deaf communities and individuals to promote the ongoing success of the Deaf ecosystem and support each member to shine within the community.

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ACNC Profile

Windsor Group and Deaf Connect are both committed to equal opportunity employment practices. Applications for the position of Head of Finance will be assessed on merit and selected applicants invited to interview. An offer of appointment will be made to the applicants whose written application and interview responses best demonstrate their ability to meet the requirements of the role.

An established growing organisation with a national footprint, Deaf Connect has a solid financial foundation with which to continue its growth and this growth has consistently been 10% per annum.

An established and stable executive with a well credentialed board, Deaf Connect are well placed to continue the growth objectives and initiatives planned in line with their strategic plans.

These include expanding the lottery program, along with developing international opportunities to expand new horizons.

Deaf Connect continue to focus on building capacity, influencing social change, and enhancing its cultural and capability framework. The organisation’s strategic plan aims to strengthen its position as a leading provider, fostering partnerships at local, national, and global levels.

It is clear that Deaf Connect values community support and is actively seeking to expand its services and influence through strategic planning and partnerships.

With a refinement to their organisational structure, a role as Financial Controller has emerged to lead the financial capabilities of the organisation.

The Head of Finance is responsible for effective leadership, management, delivery and innovation of financial & accounting services nationwide for Deaf Connect, in consultation with the CCO.

This role significantly contributes to the successful financial performance and position of the organisation, optimum team performance and stakeholder engagement to deliver on agreed business objectives and strategies.

As the organisation refines its business, in line with its strategic direction, there will always be some change, understanding change and leading change will be ongoing.

Being the largest, whole-of-life service provider and social impact organisation for Deaf brings its own challengers with the organisation striving to remain nimble to respond to changes and opportunities as they arise.

Being a respected voice in the sector and sought after partner with government and industry the need to be responsive and take on projects when needed is an ongoing challenge.

Technically proficient and experienced in leading internal audits, this is a hands-on role. Strong understanding of the financial landscape of a national organisation and in particular the complexities around state-based funding and grant acquittals, you are confident leading and learning from an experienced team.

You are not just about the numbers but bring an engaging and approachable personality the bridges the gap in understanding between financial & non-financial personnel.

Proven leadership, you are happy leading a team and effecting change whilst ensuring all financial aspects of the organisation meet industry best practice standards. CPA or CA qualified you have a minimum 5+ years’ experience in a senior leadership position leading a finance function in a complex service delivery organisation

Well versed in navigating the government funding environment you have developed and grown multiple funding streams within a previous role.

An immersive position – you are happy to roll your sleeves up and work hard to understand the mechanics of the organisation. Through this immersion you will be able to contribute to the strategic direction and planned execution of agreed priorities for the organisation from an informed position.

Firm but fair, you are professionally mature and competent at having robust and respectful conversations, embracing decisions that are made in the best interest of the organisation.

With a high EQ you understand team dynamics and value culture having promoted positive culture in previous roles. Your people skills are honed to develop strong partnerships and robust, collaborative relationships. The care of people is at your core as to is your appreciation of open transparent communication and a no blame culture.

Your endearing nature will cultivate positive relationships developing trust and influence. Bringing an inquisitive nature to the position, you actively engage with all stakeholders to see where you can add value and support.

Coupled with the strong financial credentials you bring to the role you will also have demonstrated project management experience having identified, developed, and implemented projects in past roles.

You are well researched and bring a curious mindset to identify opportunities that add value to the organisation. As an evidenced based decision maker your detailed analysis of opportunities equips you well to present at senior leadership level, valuing the level of accountability invested in you.

As a member of the senior leadership team responsible for overseeing an organisation’s accounting operations, you bring strong analytical skills with an ability to analyse financial data and generate actionable insights. Your numerical proficiency and understanding of numbers and financial statements is a given as to is your problem-solving capability in addressing complex financial issues with strong attention to detail.

You understand organisational financial strategy and minimizing risk, competent leading an accounting team ensuring compliance standards are met and identifying ways to improve financial efficiency, managing relationships with external providers.

Position Description

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Essential 

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in leading a finance function in a complex service delivery organisation
• Relevant Tertiary Qualifications and CA/ CPA
• Ideally you’ll have contemporary experience in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance or legacy products Microsoft Dynamics AX or Navision
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills at all levels of an organisation, with proven ability in effective negotiation, liaison, consultation and engagement of diverse key stakeholders and partnerships
• Demonstrated capacity to deliver development and implementation of new systems aligned with suitable project methodologies
• Ability to work with minimal supervision with demonstrated organisational skills and prioritisation of tasks
• Ability to work with confidential information in a professional manner
• Sound organisational and time management skills
• Positive and flexible attitude

Desirable

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, within a service-oriented environment
• An understanding of the community or not for profit sector
• Auslan skills, or willingness to learn

When submitting your application, ensure your application includes:

• An up-to-date resume (in Word format)
• A covering letter (in Word format) outlining your interest and expertise relevant to the role

Submit your application quoting reference number MCHEFN to apply@windsor-group.com.au. For more information please contact Mike Conroy on 07 3211 0001. Your application will be acknowledged by email within one business day.

View the live job advertisement and apply here