Join us to support Aussies to live, move and stay active
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the nation’s leading voice on exercise and sports science. We govern and represent approximately 10,000 degree-qualified accredited exercise professionals who support Australians to reach their health and performance goals.
About your role
As Finance Manager, you will lead ESSA’s financial management, ensuring accurate reporting, compliance, and effective financial operations. You will provide strategic financial insights and commercial analysis to support decision-making, organisational performance, and sustainable growth. This hands-on role offers the opportunity to drive process improvements, enhance efficiencies, and partner closely with the CEO, Board, and key stakeholders.
You will:
- Lead financial management, including month-end reporting, reconciliations, cash flow forecasting, and preparation of management and Board reports
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards, taxation obligations, statutory reporting requirements, and not-for-profit regulations
- Manage year-end financial reporting, external audit processes, fixed assets, lease accounting, and balance sheet integrity
- Oversee finance operations, including payroll, accounts payable and receivable, staff reimbursements, and financial controls
- Prepare budgets, forecasts, profitability analysis, and provide financial insights to support strategic decision-making
- Partner with the Executive Leadership Team to drive commercial performance, evaluate business opportunities, and support sustainable revenue growth
- Lead continuous improvement of finance systems, processes, reporting, automation, and AI-enabled solutions, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of financial data and controls.
Your competitive edge will include:
- CA or CPA qualified, with demonstrated experience in a Finance Manager, Senior Accountant, or similar leadership role
- Strong proficiency in Xero and the ability to leverage technology, automation, data analytics, and AI tools to improve financial processes and reporting
- Commercially astute, with a proven ability to analyse business performance drivers and provide insights that support strategic decision-making
- Highly organised and detail-oriented, with strong accountability and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Proven experience partnering with senior leaders, providing trusted financial advice, and driving process and system improvements
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively
The perks
- Bonus Christmas and birthday leave
- Flexible, hybrid working with two days WFH
- A generous, yearly wellbeing allowance and access to member discounts
- Fresh fruit and pantry items delivered weekly
- A brand-new light filled office in the heart of Newstead
People are at the heart of what we do and we’re proud to celebrate diversity of thought, background, and experience. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply.
Questions or would like a copy of the position description? Please get in touch with us at people@essa.org.au
