• Melbourne CBD
• Immediate start
• Flexible work options (hybrid working model)
• Ongoing - Full Time

Gender Specific Role

Women’s Legal Service Victoria relies upon an exception under the Equal Opportunity Act to employ women only.

About Womens Legal Service Victoria

Women’s Legal Service Victoria (WLSV) is a specialised and state-wide organisation providing services and support to women since 1982. We exist to help build a gender equitable society, driving systemic change and advocating for solutions for equality, safety and economic security. We are committed to working alongside women experiencing disadvantage to promote their rights to live free from violence. We use our experience to inform our policy, law reform and education work.

Women’s Legal provides legal services within a multi-disciplinary and trauma-informed practice in the areas of family law, family violence, victims of crime, migration and child protection. Our model incorporates social work and financial counselling to provide wrap-around support to our clients.

Our culture

We are committed to our vision of building a gender equitable society.

• We are passionate, collaborative and solution focused.
• We work alongside women experiencing disadvantage, to promote their rights to live free from violence, and make informed choices about their lives.
• We work in a way that is woman-focused, engaging and supporting the whole person and appreciating the complexity of her situation.

Your new role

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) oversees, manages and is responsible for the entire finance function of WLSV. This position operates, maintains and develops financial systems and procedures to ensure regulatory, governance and statuary reporting obligations are met and resources are used efficiently and effectively.

The CFO works very closely with the CEO, providing strategic advice in relation to the management of the organisation’s finances and working with the management team and the Board to enhance organisational capacity and capabilities.

What you'll need to succeed

You are driven and motivated, with strong numerical skills and an excellent understanding of accounting practices. You have solid analytical skills with an ability to solve problems. You have high attention to detail, strong communication skills and the ability to quickly build rapport with your stakeholders.

Key to your success is:

Strategic Financial Management

• Provides strategic financial recommendations to the CEO and Board, based on financial metrics and contributes to strategic planning
• Supports the CEO at Board meetings and provides financial advice on all aspects of the financial operations of the organisation
• Works alongside the CEO and the Board to support organisational growth and sustainability, interpreting trends, performing modelling and analysis for long term planning
• Develops solutions to improve financial capability and responds to business needs trends and opportunities
• Develops annual budgets, forecasts and multi-year plans in line with the strategic plans
• Ensures the development and implementation of financial management and reporting systems to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and Australian accounting standards.

Leadership and Management

• Leads, mentors, coaches and develops a high performing finance team that maintains a culture of service excellence
• Provides advice/leadership and works alongside the management/cross functional teams providing direction in relation to budget management, project accounting and departmental expenses
• Manages key external relationships (i.e., banks, auditors, regulatory bodies and financial partners/funders) while maintaining strong partnerships with colleagues

Financial Management

• Oversees a range of financial management activities aligned with business needs
• Oversees the management of records in accordance with accepted accounting standards, ensuring compliance with the relevant regulations and standards
• Plans and manages cash flow, budgets and forecasts
• Manages project budgets, funding, acquittals and workflow
• Manages costing processes, constantly evaluating charge out rates and allocations to ensure that project finances are accurate

Payroll

• Oversees WLSV’s entire payroll function

What you'll get in return

We offer competitive remuneration, a strong commitment to your professional development, personal development and mental health, a genuinely flexible working environment that supports work-life balance, salary packaging (which can add up to $15,900 in tax-free pay per year) and a vibrant and collegiate work culture.

Equal opportunity and diversity

WLSV is committed to equal opportunity and diversity and promotes an organisational environment where individuals are treated with fairness, respect, equality and dignity. To deliver the best outcomes for our clients we want a staff team that reflects the diverse community that we serve, recognising the skills, knowledge and experience a diverse staff group brings to our organisation.

To Apply

Please submit a covering letter and resume ASAP, as we will begin shortlisting immediately.

A full position description is available below. 

Further details and responsibilities about this role are available by emailing Lauren Wellington, People and Culture Manager at [email protected] using the subject line: Chief Financial Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Click the "Apply Now" button to submit your application.