Finance Manager

Switchboard Victoria is based on the lands of the Yaluk-ut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung peoples. 
 
We acknowledge that our work takes place on lands that are under colonial occupation and that sovereignty has never been ceded. We hope to pay our deepest respects to Boon Wurrung elders, past and present, and wish to extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People across this Country we know as Australia.

About Switchboard Victoria (Inc.)

Switchboard Victoria is a community-based, not for profit organisation that provides peer-based, volunteer driven support services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and gender diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and more (LGBTIQA+) people and their friends, families and allies.

Our current activities include:

• Phone and web counselling and referral – Switchboard is the Victorian partner in the national QLife service. QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships. 
• Community connections for older LGBTI+ people – Switchboard’s Pride in Ageing program works to tackle ageism and strengthen social inclusion and community connection for older LGBTI+* Victorians. The Out and About peer visiting program builds friendship and connection between LGBTI+ seniors living anywhere in Victoria through regular volunteer visits.  
• Rainbow Door –is a free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and family. Rainbow Door supports people of all ages and identities with issues that may include suicidal thoughts, family, and intimate partner violence (including elder abuse), alcohol and other drugs, relationship issues, sexual assault, social isolation, mental health and wellbeing. 
• Suicide prevention –research and development of suicide prevention resources and programs for LGBTIQA+ communities. 
• QTIBPoC Programs – The QTIBPoC program aims to build connection and greater equity for Queer, Trans, Intersex and Bla(c)k, Indigenous and/or People of Colour and People of Faith. The program runs free events and workshops throughout the year led by and for QTIBPoC communities.
• Training Program – Switchboard delivers a range of training to the community and service sector organisations. Trainings offerings include LGBTIQA+ Inclusive Practice, How to Recognise and Respond to F/IPV, How to Talk About Suicide Safely, Everyday Racism in the Workplace and Peer Support Training. Staff are accredited to deliver LivingWorks programs ASIST and safeTALK.
• Rainbow Families – Connecting and supporting LGBTIQA+ parents, carers, and their families. Supporting services to develop and deliver rainbow family-inclusive better practice across Victoria.

Position details

Title: Finance Manager

Organisation: Switchboard (Victoria) Inc

Employment type: Permanent / ongoing contract

Up to full-time, 0.8 FTE – 1.0 FTE, 60.8 - 76 hours per fortnight.

Classification & remuneration: Social and Community Services Employee, Level 7 pay point 1 -3 (based on level of skills and experience)Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Award 2010.

Plus Superannuation 12%

Tax benefit available from salary sacrifice arrangements for not-for-profits, package of up to $15,899 per year

Location: Switchboard Victoria operates from offices in Melbourne’s inner north and the Victorian Pride Centre, 79–81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda VIC 3182.

Applicants must be able to lawfully work in Australia and may be located within metropolitan Melbourne or elsewhere in Victoria, provided they can reliably attend the workplace as required.

This is a hybrid role. The successful applicant must have the capacity to work from Switchboard Victoria’s Melbourne-based offices as reasonably required to meet the inherent and operational requirements of the role.

Switchboard Victoria supports flexible working arrangements, including remote work, where appropriate. Flexible arrangements will be considered in accordance with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) and organisational policies, and are subject to the inherent requirements of the role and operational needs.

Reports to: Director of Operations, CEO

Direct reports: Finance and Payroll Officer

Position overview

Switchboard Victoria is seeking an experienced and values-driven Finance Manager to support the Organisation in delivering high-quality, peer-based, staff and volunteer-driven services to the LGBTIQA+ community. This role is central to advancing organisational priorities outlined in the 2024–2028 Strategic Plan and the Anti-Racism Organisational Change Plan.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Finance Manager leads the organisation’s operational and strategic financial management function, ensuring strong financial stewardship, robust internal controls, and long-term sustainability. The role is responsible for maintaining compliance with all regulatory, funding, and reporting obligations, while driving best practice in financial governance, including oversight and approval of payroll.

As a key member of the leadership team, the Finance Manager provides strategic financial advice to the CEO, Director of Operations, Board of Directors, and senior leaders. This includes delivering insightful analysis to inform decision-making, supporting organisational planning, and aligning financial strategy with operational and strategic goals.

The Finance Manager plays a critical role in supporting funding sustainability by partnering with the Leadership Team on grant applications, including providing financial input, budgets, and forecasts. The role also ensures accurate and timely financial acquittals for all grant funding, maintaining strong relationships with funders and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.

The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of financial management within the not-for-profit sector, combined with strategic capability and hands-on expertise. They will have demonstrated experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting, and the ability to identify efficiency opportunities, improve cash flow management, and support sustainable growth.

This role also contributes to strengthening systems and processes, including supporting digital transformation initiatives within the finance function. The Finance Manager will ensure that financial operations are efficient, compliant, and effectively support the organisation’s purpose and impact.

Responsibilities and Duties

Financial management and reporting

• Work with the Finance and Payroll Officer to prepare monthly financial reports for each program, identifying and investigating variances against budget and escalating issues requiring action.
• Lead the preparation and audit of the Annual General Purpose Financial Report in accordance with ACNC requirements and accounting standards.
• Lead the development of the organisation’s annual budget, including program-level budgets, for review and approval by the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee and the Board of Directors.
• Develop and maintain a rolling financial forecast to monitor organisational performance, cash flow, and sustainability throughout the year.
• Actively monitor cash flow and organisational liquidity, ensuring appropriate management of reserves.
• Provide clear, timely financial insights, analysis, and recommendations to the Leadership Team and Board to support informed decision-making.

Financial controls and compliance

• Establish, maintain, and improve internal financial controls to support robust governance and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, ACNC requirements, and all relevant regulatory obligations.
• Partner with the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee to identify, assess, and manage financial risks.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate financial policies and procedures to ensure consistency, transparency, and understanding across staff and volunteers.

Grants and funding management

• Oversee the preparation and submission of grant acquittals and other financial reports in accordance with funding agreements.
• Monitor and ensure ongoing financial compliance with all funding and contractual obligations.
• Support Program Managers with budget tracking, forecasting, and financial management of funded activities.
• Collaborate with the Leadership Team on grant applications, including developing budgets, financial modelling, and responding to finance-related requirements.

Payroll and employment compliance

• Oversee and approve payroll processing to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with organisational policies and legislative requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Fair Work legislation, the SCHADS Award, superannuation obligations, taxation requirements, and other employment-related regulations.
• Provide guidance to the Leadership Team and staff more broadly on employment cost implications, award interpretation, and payroll-related matters.

Systems and process improvement

• Oversee the management and optimisation of financial systems, including accounting and payroll platforms (currently Xero), ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and reliability.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, systems, and efficiencies, and lead the implementation of improvements in collaboration with the Finance and Payroll Officer and Leadership Team.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential

1. Tertiary qualifications in accounting, finance, or other relevant field, with CA or CPA qualification (or actively working towards certification).
2. Demonstrated experience in leading financial management functions, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and cash flow management within a complex organisation, preferably in the not-for-profit sector.
3. Proven ability to provide high-quality financial analysis, insights, and advice to senior leadership and Boards to support strategic planning, decision-making, and organisational sustainability.
4. Strong understanding of financial governance, including establishing and maintaining internal controls, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards, ACNC requirements, and other relevant regulatory frameworks.
5. Experience managing grant funding, including preparing budgets for submissions, ensuring compliance with funding agreements, and delivering accurate and timely financial acquittals and reporting.
6. Demonstrated knowledge of payroll processes and compliance requirements, including Fair Work legislation, the SCHADS Award, superannuation, and taxation obligations, with experience overseeing accurate and compliant payroll operations.
7. Experience managing financial systems (e.g. Xero or similar) and leading process improvements, including identifying efficiencies, strengthening controls, and supporting digital transformation initiatives.
8. Some understanding of the issues impacting LGBTIQA+ people, their families and communities, including social determinants of mental health, family and intimate partner violence within communities, and the prevalence of suicidal ideation.

Desirable

1. Experience working within LGBTIQA+ organisations and/or the broader community or not-for-profit sector.
2. Experience using Xero (or similar cloud-based accounting systems).

To find out more and apply

Please make yourself familiar with Switchboard’s purpose and programs by visiting our website at www.switchboard.org.au.

Please carefully review the selection criteria for this position, which you should systematically address in your application (both essential and desirable criteria – 2 pages maximum), along with a resume and cover letter.

NOTE: Applications that do not address the Selection Criteria will not be considered.

For information, please contact Blake Leschen and Jenna Tuke

Email: [email protected], [email protected] using the subject line: Finance Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs

Applications close: 10am on the closing date

Switchboard Victoria is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in our workforce and will consider all qualified applicants, regardless of sex, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability or national origin. Switchboard Victoria values diversity and is committed to the principles of cultural and ethnic diversity, social inclusion, and anti-racism.

We promote a workplace that actively seeks to welcome and value unique perspectives. Switchboard especially welcomes and encourages applications from people who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; trans, gender diverse or intersex; disabled; carers; live with HIV, are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), People of Colour or People of Faith.