The 12-month Financial Controller owns the financial component of a new ERP implementation project and provides leadership and oversight of all financial operations within a heavy industry manufacturing environment.
This role ensures the integrity of financial reporting, compliance with statutory obligations, and works alongside the CFO to deliver insights to support operational and commercial decision-making. The incumbent combines audit discipline with management accounting expertise to strengthen governance, optimise performance, and drive sustainable growth.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Projects & Stakeholder Engagement
- Own the financial component of ERP implementation project.
- Support executive leadership with board reporting and strategic planning.
- Manage relationships with auditors, banks, regulators, and advisors.
- Contribute to transformation projects such as automation and digital finance initiatives.
Financial Management & Reporting
- Lead preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
- Oversee consolidation of group accounts, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Develop and monitor budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
- Provide variance analysis and commentary to management.
- Manage treasury functions including liquidity, debt facilities, and working capital.
Audit, Risk & Compliance
- Coordinate internal and external audit processes.
- Ensure compliance with statutory reporting, taxation, and regulatory requirements.
- Implement and monitor internal control frameworks.
- Support enterprise risk management initiatives.
Management Accounting & Operational Support
- Partner with operations to analyse production costs, inventory, and capital expenditure.
- Provide financial modelling and scenario analysis for investment decisions.
- Develop KPIs and dashboards to track performance.
- Drive ERP and reporting system improvements.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop finance staff.
- Build cross-functional collaboration with operations, supply chain, and commercial teams.
- Promote knowledge sharing and succession planning.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.
- Audit outcomes and compliance levels.
- Achievement of budget, forecast, and cash flow targets.
- Cost efficiency and margin improvement.
- Employee engagement and retention within the finance team.
- Delivery of strategic projects on time and within budget.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline.
- CPA/CA qualification essential.
- 7–10 years’ finance experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- Audit background (Big 4 or mid-tier firm experience highly regarded).
- Strong management accounting expertise, ideally within heavy industry or manufacturing.
- Advanced proficiency in ERP systems, financial modelling, and reporting tools.
Competency Framework
Technical Competencies
- Financial Reporting: Expert in statutory and management reporting, consolidation, and compliance.
- Audit & Risk Management: Strong knowledge of audit processes, internal controls, and risk frameworks.
- Management Accounting: Skilled in cost analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and performance measurement.
- Systems & Technology: Advanced ERP and financial systems capability; data-driven decision-making.
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to align financial strategy with business objectives.
- People Leadership: Builds capability, mentor staff, and fosters accountability.
- Change Management: Leads transformation projects and adapts to evolving business needs.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Communicates effectively with executives, regulators, and external partners.
Behavioural Competencies
- Integrity & Ethics: Demonstrates high standards of professional conduct and confidentiality.
- Analytical Thinking: Applies critical thinking to complex financial and operational challenges.
- Collaboration: Works effectively across functions to achieve shared goals.
- Resilience: Maintains composure and focus in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.
- Influence & Impact: Persuades and negotiates effectively to achieve outcomes.
Working Relationships
- Internal: CFO, CEO, Operations Managers, Supply Chain, HR, IT, Finance Team.
- External: Auditors, banks, regulators, insurers, consultants, and vendors.
Career Development
This role provides exposure to strategic leadership, capital investment, and operational transformation projects.
Shermac is on the move with a significant growth trajectory ahead.
It’s a great time to join, apply now! Shortlisting will commence immediately.
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 financial controller?
- Have you completed a qualification in accounting?
- Have you completed a certified practising accountant (CPA) qualification?
- How many years of auditing experience do you have?
- How many years of managerial accounting experience do you have?
- Have you worked in a role where you were responsible for budget management & forecasting?
- Have you worked in a role which requires experience with financial analysis and modelling?