• Key finance leadership role in a niche Community Housing Provider
  • Currently 121 homes owned to the value of $55 million, with a further 153 managed.
  • Total annual operating budget of $3 million.
• Drive financial strategy for growth.
• Negotiate contractual arrangements for loan and equity facilities.

The Organisation

WPI is committed to making a significant contribution to the supply of long-term affordable and social housing in Victoria through acquiring or developing properties both independently and in partnership with Government, the private sector, developers and financial institutions. Supported by a skilled board with robust governance structures, WPI is investing in an ambitious growth strategy to increase its portfolio of quality housing, products and services to Victorians in need.

The Role

This is a senior leadership role, and a key position supporting the WPI team in the achievement of our strategic objectives.

As we are in a growth phase, this role is changing and evolving, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape it in line with their skills and experience. An important aspect of the role is the ability to be hands-on whilst ensuring that a strategic focus is upheld.

As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) you will be a key member of WPI’s Executive Leadership Team responsible for delivering best practice financial governance, analytical modelling, sound investment, risk management, compliance and systems innovation across the business.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and leading the Finance Team, the CFO will be a passionate, hands-on Executive Leader with high level financial literacy and the ability to prepare and interpret financial models, reports and manage budgets, along with experience in all aspects of organisational Financial Management.

• The CFO will lead key areas of the organisation including forecasting, budgets/financial reporting and oversee external audits.
• Support the growth of assets through feasibility and financial modelling.
• Manage critical relationships with key financial stakeholders.
• Manage cashflow, forecasting impacts of current and future property developments.
• Provide leadership in the evaluation of short and long-term strategic financial objectives and be a key figure in the organisation’s planning and review.
• Prepare a capital acquisition plan (debt and/or equity) to finance the growth property pipeline, approximately an additional 200 homes at present.
• Undertake a comprehensive review of the technology and data requirements of the business and developing digital strategies to enhance service delivery.
• Maintain and review insurances that reflect WPI’s risk profile and operations.
• Manage debt facilities and related financial covenants, cash flow and liquidity buffers.
• Ensure financial compliance and an ongoing commitment to process innovation and productivity efficiencies.
• Review options to provide best practice human resource management, to ensure contemporary and effective people and culture practices including recruitment, employee relations and management of skilled volunteers.
• Support the Audit and Risk Committee in all finance related risk matters including engagement with external auditors, the ACNC and the Housing Registrar.
• Fulfill company secretary duties.

The successful candidate will demonstrate.

You have a track record in senior financial leadership roles, ideally but not limited to, the community housing sector, property, or financial services, with accounting qualifications including CA or CPA. Company Secretary accreditation is also desirable. Overall, you will have;

• Extensive experience in a similar role in financial management, including financial modelling for capital projects, regulatory and statutory compliance management, with responsibility of reporting and advising to Board level.
• Experience in debt capacity analysis and investment funding, with experience in joint ventures highly regarded.
• Advanced problem-solving abilities and high-level negotiation skills.
• Strategic and analytical skills, with an ability to develop strategy and implement detailed plans.
• A track record of implementing best practice accounting and analysis.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting standards and ATO requirements.
• Experience leading and working with a whole of business view within an executive team, ideally in a values-led environment.

Why work At WPI?

• Full salary packaging benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Additional annual leave over Christmas/New Year and Birthday holiday
• Friendly and flexible work environment