Primary Purpose
The Finance Manager is responsible for overseeing the financial management, reporting, and compliance functions across the Canberra Southern Cross Club Group, including hospitality venues, health and wellness businesses, and gaming operations. This senior leadership role ensures the integrity of financial data, supports strategic decision-making, and leads the finance function in delivering timely, accurate, and meaningful insights to the CFO, CEO, and Board.
The role requires strong technical knowledge, sound commercial judgment, and the ability to manage complex financial structures across multiple entities. The Finance Manager plays a key role in ensuring fiscal discipline, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement of financial systems and internal controls.
Key Result Area
Financial Reporting
- Timely and accurate delivery of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports across all business units
- Compliance with Australian Accounting Standards and internal reporting timetables
- Clean audit outcomes with minimal adjustments or findings
Compliance & Risk Management
- Full compliance with taxation, gaming, and statutory obligations
- Internal controls maintained and regularly reviewed
- Identified risks documented and mitigated through appropriate strategies
Financial Systems and Processes
- Continuous improvement initiatives implemented across finance processes
- Successful automation or optimisation of reporting and reconciliation tasks
- Finance procedures documented, standardised, and embedded across the team
Asset & Capital Management
- Accurate fixed asset registers maintained
- Capital expenditure monitored and reported against budgets
- Strategic input provided into asset lifecycle planning and major investments
Team Leadership & Culture
- Clear goals, feedback, and development plans in place for all team members
- High team engagement and retention
- Cross-team collaboration and support consistently demonstrated
Business Partnering & Stakeholder Engagement
- Strong working relationships with Venue Managers, Executives, and department leads
- Proactive financial insights delivered to support business decisions
- Finance seen as a value-adding partner to the broader organization
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Reporting
- Lead the preparation of monthly financial reporting
- Lead the preparation of annual financial statements.
- Ensure consistency and accuracy of financial reporting across all Club entities and business units.
- Deliver insights and recommendations to support the CFO, CEO, and Board in strategic decision-making.
- Maintain general ledger integrity and oversee the financial close cycle across the Group.
- Coordinate external audits, liaising with auditors to ensure compliance with accounting standards and best practice.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Strategic Finance
- Assist in Lead the annual budget process across all venues and business units, consolidating into a group-wide budget for Board approval.
- Partner with operational leaders to develop forecasts and financial models that support business planning.
- Monitor financial performance, analysing variances, risks and opportunities, and providing proactive recommendations.
- Contribute to capital planning, investment appraisal, and funding strategies for future growth initiatives.
Compliance & Risk Oversight
- Ensure the Club meets all statutory taxation obligations including BAS, FBT, Gaming Tax, Payroll Tax and Income Tax.
- Maintain and enforce internal controls and financial policies that align with legislation, regulatory requirements, and the Club’s risk framework.
- Work with internal stakeholders and external advisors to ensure compliance in regulated areas including gaming and health.
- Support the CFO in managing financial risk exposure, insurance, and contractual obligations.
Systems, Processes & Continuous Improvement
- Lead the review and optimisation of financial systems and processes, including reporting tools and automation initiatives.
- Ensure finance procedures are documented, standardised, and aligned with the Club’s operational needs.
- Drive continuous improvement, data accuracy, and system integration across finance, payroll, membership, and gaming systems.
Team Leadership & Development
- Provide strong leadership to the finance team across multiple sites, fostering a high-performance culture.
- Mentor and develop team members, ensuring skill growth, role clarity, and succession planning.
- Lead recruitment, training, and performance management for direct reports, and oversee professional development opportunities within the broader finance team.
- Promote cross-functional collaboration and effective communication across all areas of the business
Key Attributes
- Strategic thinker with a deep understanding of financial governance and operational context
- Commercially savvy and able to balance financial discipline with business growth ambitions
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage at all levels
- Proactive, hands-on, and solutions-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Commerce
· CPA or CA qualified
· Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior finance leadership role, preferably in a group or multi-entity environment
· Extensive knowledge of Australian Accounting Standards and taxation requirements
· Demonstrated experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and board reporting
· Proficiency in financial systems and advanced Excel skills
Desirable
· Experience in hospitality, gaming, clubs, or member-based organisations
· Familiarity with accounting systems such as Microsoft Business Central, Solver or similar
· Experience managing finance functions across multiple business streams
