About Muslim Aid Australia

Muslim Aid Australia is a faith-based international aid and development organisation committed to delivering humanitarian relief, sustainable development, advocacy, and community programs both locally and globally. Through partnerships and community-centred programming, we work to support vulnerable communities with dignity, compassion, and justice.

As the organisation continues to grow and mature, we are seeking an experienced, strategic, and values-driven Head of Finance & Compliance to lead the financial, operational, compliance, and people functions of the organisation – and to serve as a key member of the Senior Management Team.

About the Role

This is a senior leadership role responsible for the financial integrity, operational effectiveness, and strategic direction of Muslim Aid Australia across its local and international operations.

Reporting directly to the CEO and operating as part of the Senior Management Team, the Head of Finance & Compliance will provide expert financial and operational leadership, guide organisational strategy, ensure robust governance and Shariah-aligned compliance, and build the systems, processes, and culture needed to support MAA's continued growth.

This role is suited to a senior finance professional who brings both technical depth and strategic vision, and who is motivated by purpose-driven work in the not-for-profit and international development sector.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Lead MAA's financial strategy, providing expert advice and insight to the CEO, Senior Management Team, and Board.
• Oversee the financial governance of MAA's local and offshore entities, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives, regulatory requirements, and Islamic financial principles.
• Develop, maintain, and review organisational budgets, financial forecasts, and long-term financial models to support strategic planning and decision-making.
• Monitor and assess industry trends, economic conditions, and regulatory changes, providing proactive financial risk analysis and recommendations to leadership.
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives and procurement efficiencies across the organisation.
• Introduce and embed financial controls for project expenditure, ensuring accurate and compliant allocation to respective fund pools.
• Provide regular, accessible financial reports and insights to departmental leads and the CEO to support informed decision-making across the organisation.

2. Governance, Compliance & Shariah Alignment

• Lead all organisational compliance functions including ACNC, ASIC, ATO, ACFID, and other relevant regulatory and sector bodies.
• Provide strategic direction for MAA's compliance framework, including the development and implementation of organisational policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure all financial transactions and operations are aligned with Islamic financial compliance principles and Shariah requirements.
• Lead the annual audit process and ensure audited financial statements are prepared, reviewed, and lodged within required deadlines.
• Oversee DFAT reaccreditation processes.
• Oversee organisational risk management, including financial, operational, and regulatory risk.
• Support the Board, Finance Committee, and Audit Committee with financial reporting, governance documentation, and strategic financial advice.
• Assess and respond proactively to industry changes and emerging compliance risks that may affect the organisation's financial and operational standing.

3. Banking, Treasury & International Operations

• Manage and maintain strategic relationships with financial institutions, foreign exchange providers, and banking partners.
• Oversee treasury management, international payments, and foreign exchange transactions relating to project and partner disbursements across MAA's global operations.
• Ensure efficient and compliant cash flow management across local and international fund pools.

4. Funding, Grants & Revenue Development

• Explore and pursue new funding opportunities with government bodies, government-funded NGOs, and institutional funders.
• Support and lead grant strategy, including the development of grant budgets, funding applications, financial proposals, and acquittal reporting.
• Ensure compliance with all grant agreements, donor financial conditions, and funding obligations.
• Work collaboratively with programs and partnerships teams to ensure accurate financial tracking and reporting across funded activities.

5. Human Resources & People Operations

• Manage the full HR function including payroll, staff onboarding and offboarding, performance management, staff entitlements, and employee relations.
• Ensure compliance with relevant employment legislation, fair work obligations, and organisational HR policies.
• Develop and implement HR frameworks, policies, and SOPs that support a positive, accountable, and high-performing organisational culture.
• Work with the CEO and senior leadership to support workforce planning, organisational development, and talent retention.

6. Operations, Systems & Process Improvement

• Lead the development and implementation of operational SOPs and process improvement initiatives to strengthen organisational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Drive finance automation, systems development, and business transformation projects across the organisation.
• Manage accounts receivable and payable functions, ensuring timely and accurate processing across the organisation.
• Maintain and review organisational insurance, risk policies, and operational compliance requirements.
• Build and mentor a high-performing finance and operations team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related discipline.
• CPA or CA qualification (or near completion).
• Demonstrated senior experience in financial management, strategy, and organisational leadership.
• Strong understanding of Australian accounting standards, financial regulations, and not-for-profit governance requirements.
• Proven experience in budgeting, financial modelling, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.
• Experience managing compliance obligations across ACNC, ASIC, ATO, and relevant sector bodies.
• Track record of leading audit processes, financial governance, and risk management frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience managing HR functions including payroll, performance, and employee relations.
• High proficiency in Xero and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel. Proficient in PowerBI.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Ability to operate both strategically and operationally within a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment.
• Strong alignment with MAA's values of justice, dignity, integrity, and community empowerment.

Desirable

• Experience working within the not-for-profit, humanitarian, or international development sector.
• Familiarity with Islamic finance principles and Shariah-compliant financial governance.
• Experience managing international payments, foreign exchange, and multi-entity financial operations.
• Experience managing institutional grants, donor compliance, and acquittal processes.
• Experience supporting or reporting to Boards, Finance Committees, or Audit Committees.
• Track record in identifying and securing government or institutional funding opportunities.
• Experience leading organisational transformation, process improvement, or systems automation initiatives.

Why Join Muslim Aid Australia?

• Senior leadership role within a growing, mission-driven organisation committed to justice, dignity, and humanitarian impact.
• Flexible and supportive work environment.
• Work alongside a passionate, values-aligned team.
• Additional religious and cultural leave days annually.

Salary

Range: Commensurate with experience - Senior leadership package