• Redfern, Sydney NSW
• Full time

The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) is a unique enterprise on Gadigal land in Redfern — proudly blending a for-profit fitness, aquatics, conferencing and venue hire business with not-for-profit programs that drive positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Our purpose is to create opportunities for excellence — through culture, community, health, and wellbeing — while ensuring long-term financial sustainability through strong commercial performance. 

The Opportunity

We are seeking a commercially astute and purpose-driven Finance Manager to oversee the financial management, reporting, and strategic analysis across NCIE’s diverse business streams.

This is an exciting, hands-on role for a finance professional who enjoys variety — from fitness and aquatics operations to venue hire, events, and community initiatives — and who can balance commercial acumen with a strong sense of social purpose.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Finance Manager will play a key role in ensuring NCIE’s financial health, compliance, and growth through insightful reporting, effective controls, and strong financial leadership.

This role will also suit someone experienced in supporting financial operations through periods of organisational change or transition, ensuring continuity, compliance, and effective financial handover processes.

Xero accounting software experience is required.

NFP salary packaging is available. 

Key Responsibilities 

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Partner with the CEO to drive NCIE’s financial strategy and ensure long-term sustainability across commercial and community portfolios.
• Provide accurate, timely financial insights to support decision-making and business growth.
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning cycles.
• Monitor business performance, highlight trends, and recommend strategies for improved profitability and efficiency.
• Maintain productive relationships with banks, auditors, and funding partners.
• Apply sound financial management principles to support organisational transitions — including establishing new financial systems, structures, and reporting processes as required — to ensure a smooth and compliant changeover.
• Ensure strong governance, sound internal controls, and compliance with accounting and reporting standards. 

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee all financial accounting, payroll, and reporting functions.
• Prepare monthly management reports (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) and variance analyses for the CEO and Board Committees.
• Manage the production of accurate and timely financial statements, BAS, PAYG, Superannuation, Workers compensation liability returns and tax returns when applicable.
• Maintain the fixed asset register and ensure correct valuation and reporting.
• Supervise the finance team to deliver high-quality and efficient financial processing and reporting.
• Ensure grant and contract acquittals are completed accurately and on time.

Governance, Compliance & Risk

• Provide financial reports and insights to the CEO, Financial Administration and Remuneration Committee (FARM), and Board.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, Australian Accounting Standards, and relevant tax laws.
• Support the development and maintenance of financial policies, systems, and controls.
• Contribute to the organisation’s risk management framework, identifying and mitigating financial risks.
• Support the financial and compliance aspects of organisational transition, ensuring all systems, accounts, and processes are ready for transfer or new governance arrangements as required.

Culture & Values

• Model NCIE’s values of Excellence, Growth, and Inclusiveness in all work.
• Lead with integrity, collaboration, and accountability.
• Contribute to a positive, respectful, and high-performing team culture.
• Ensure all financial practices support NCIE’s commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Demonstrates empathy and cultural awareness when working with diverse teams and community stakeholders.
• Proven capability to partner with program managers and leadership tactfully and with equanimity to support decision‑making.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Financial Stewardship

Timely delivery of accurate financial reports, budgets, and forecasts.

Strategic Insights

Financial advice that supports informed decisions and business growth.

Compliance & Governance

100% compliance with relevant standards, legislation, and deadlines.

Efficiency & Accuracy

Continuous improvement of systems and processes for financial operations.

People & Culture

Positive team culture and clear alignment with NCIE’s values.

Next Steps

To submit your application please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.

Employer questions

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• How many years' experience do you have as a finance manager?
• How many years of accounting experience do you have?
• Have you worked in a role where you were responsible for budget management & forecasting?
• How many years' experience do you have with forecasting for businesses?
• Have you worked in a role which requires experience with financial analysis and modelling?
• Have you worked in a role which requires a knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP)?
• Do you have experience completing ad hoc and month end reporting?