Our client is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to oversee the financial management of their software and brokerage businesses. This role is central to driving financial strategy, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing profitability across the two organisations.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors and working closely with the CEO, the CFO will focus on outsourcing financial processes, strengthening governance, and implementing strategic initiatives to improve margins and optimise results. The CFO will also leverage Xero to streamline operations and maintain robust financial oversight across all entities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Financial Oversight

• Develop and execute financial strategies that align with the company’s long-term goals, with regular updates to the Board of Directors.
• Collaborate with the CEO to provide financial insights that drive operational and strategic decisions.

Deliver periodic financial performance reports to the Directors, highlighting risks, opportunities, and progress against key financial metrics.

2. Outsourcing Financial Processes

• Lead the outsourcing of bookkeeping, payroll, and other financial tasks, ensuring streamlined and cost-efficient operations.
• Leverage Xero to integrate outsourced workflows and enable seamless collaboration with external providers.

Oversee the management of outsourcing partners to ensure adherence to service quality and deadlines.

3. Governance and Compliance

• Strengthen internal financial controls and governance structures, ensuring compliance with local and international regulatory requirements.
• Utilise Xero’s tools to implement robust checks and balances across all financial processes.

Prepare financial reports for Directors in conjunction with advisory partners.

4. Margin Improvement & Financial Performance

Drive initiatives to enhance profit margins across the software and brokerage businesses, focusing on cost optimization and pricing strategies.

Support pricing of new deals to ensure strong commercial outcomes

Work with team to identify focus areas and project manage the execution and measure the benefits.

• Use Xero analytics to identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas of opportunity to improve profitability.
• Lead cost management programs while supporting investments in growth and innovation.

5. Collaboration with Advisory Partners

• Work with external advisors (e.g., auditors, tax consultants, and legal counsel) to optimise financial strategies and compliance.

Ensure effective communication with advisory partners by providing real-time data through Xero and emails / phones etc.

Review financial outcomes with advisors to ensure strategic alignment across all entities.

Attend and lead conversation monthly with financial partners.

6. Financial Planning and Reporting

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring data integrity and alignment with board-approved strategies.

Prepare and deliver detailed financial performance reports to the directors and CEO.

Leverage Xero to provide real-time insights into financial performance, risks, and opportunities.

Ensure there is clear reconciliation between two key systems (Xero and FMS)

7. Team Leadership

• Build and mentor a capable finance team, focusing on collaboration with outsourcing providers and advisory partners.
• Foster a culture of accountability, excellence, and innovation within the finance function.

Key Qualifications

• Proven experience as a CFO, Financial Controller, or equivalent senior financial leadership role.
• Expertise in financial outsourcing, governance frameworks, and utilising Xero for financial operations.
• Demonstrated success in margin improvement and cost optimisation in multi-entity environments.
• Strong communication skills, with experience presenting to boards and collaborating with executives.
• Proficiency in financial systems and reporting tools, with a focus on Xero.
• CPA, CFA, or MBA (Finance) is strongly preferred.

Competencies

• Strategic Leadership: Strong ability to align financial strategy with the organisation’s long-term goals.
• Governance and Compliance: Proven track record in enhancing financial controls and regulatory compliance.
• Operational Excellence: Skilled in outsourcing, streamlining processes, and optimising financial performance.
• Collaboration: Adept at working with directors, CEOs, and external advisors to achieve shared objectives.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Analytical mindset with the ability to distill complex financial data into actionable insights.

Why Join them?

Our client is redefining logistics through innovation and excellence. This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of technology and brokerage, shaping financial outcomes for a business at the forefront of the industry. You’ll report directly to the Directors while working closely with the CEO to influence strategy and deliver value across all entities.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your fit the above criteria.

Michelle Hart

michelle@hunterjacobs.com.au