Finance Director
Location: Sydney, Brisbane
Contract Type: Permanent
MinterEllison is one of Australia’s largest law firms, with nearly 200 years of business history. We're known for our legal and consulting expertise - and for our inclusive and authentic character.
Our purpose is to create sustainable value with our clients, people and communities. That means we have a proud history of providing excellence to clients, nurturing our people and giving back to the communities in which we live and work.
We value excellence, curiosity and collaboration. Clients rely on us for our responsive, commercial approach. Our clients include government departments and agencies, private and publicly listed companies, and small and large businesses in Australia and overseas.
As a highly valued employee we will also provide you with a wide range of benefits. To view our benefits, please copy this link into your browser www.minterellison.com/-/media//Minter-Ellison/Files/Careers/MinterEllison-Employee-Benefits-2024.ashx
Purpose of the Role
To lead and manage the firm's financial operations function. This encompasses the development and execution of the firm's strategies across taxation, treasury, client monies and working capital.
This role is a member of the Financial Services Leadership Team and works closely with the CFO, other Finance Leads, Executive Leadership Team, Managing Partners, the Chiefs, and other Business Operations Functions to drive financial performance and deliver operational excellence.
Duties & Responsibilities
The main areas this position is responsible for include:
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Lead the development and execution of the firms strategic plan and direction across tax, treasury, cashflow management, accounts payable, payroll, client monies and working capital. Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting requirements.
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Lead and manage the financial operations teams including financial accounting, accounts payable, client monies, working capital and payroll. Lead the team to deliver and achieve the teams strategic plan and initiatives, drive and implement change whilst actively managing client and stakeholder expectations.
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Provide leadership, coaching, feedback and development to team members, monitor workloads and resources across the team and build a performance excellence culture where team members are engaged and inspired to work to their full potential.
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Establish strong trusted relationships with the ELT, Business Operations Chiefs, LoB MPs and BULs to enable you to work collaboratively and influence senior stakeholders to drive and implement change.
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Understand and support the Board and ELT's strategic vision and plans and drive alignment of this across the financial operations teams and broader Finance team.
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Oversee the preparation and audit of the firm's annual financial statements, to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable accounting standards and reporting obligations.
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Develop and implement strategic initiatives along with a risk framework within client monies to minimise risk, partnering with key stakeholders to drive and influence change to improve the firms overall operating model.
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Responsible for overseeing all tax reporting requirements, through the development and implementation of tax strategies that optimise the firm's tax position, ensuring compliance with all tax regulations and legislation.
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Prepare financial reports and papers to the Board, Executive Leadership Team, Audit and Risk Committee, Partners, and Business Operations Chiefs. Provide insightful commentary, recommendations and thought leadership, of the firm's financial position, risk and opportunities.
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Proactively manage the ongoing development and implementation of the firm's treasury strategy, including liquidity management, investment strategies, and banking relationships to maximise cash flow and financial health.
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Responsible for delivery of accurate cash flow projections and management of working capital by providing recommendations to the CFO. Drive continuous improvement in the development of cash flow forecasting models aligned to the firms monthly management reporting.
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Develop and implement financial performance metrics and dashboards to provide real-time insights and robust financial models to support decision-making and scenario planning.
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Develop and maintain an effective system of internal controls to safeguard financial assets and ensure the integrity of the firm's financial data including regular updates and implementation of firm policies.
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Maintain compliance with financial regulations and oversee the firm's financial risk management policies through the identification of financial risks and implementation of effective mitigation strategies.
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Drive and lead continuous improvement, consistency and operational efficiencies within the team to streamline processes and operations and champion the adoption of systems/tools (including adoption of AI) to enhance outcomes and dcision making.
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Collaborate and work in partnership with the Financial Services leadership team to achieve shared goals, drive greater collaboration across the finance function, identify opportunities for process improvement and prioritise initiatives to sustainably and profitably develop the firm's business and optimise client and stakeholder outcomes.
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Meaningfully contribute and demonstrate leadership to firm and team initiatives and projects. Work collaboratively with other Business Operations leaders and teams.
Knowledge, skills & experience
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10+ years' experience in a senior leadership role with extensive experience in financial operations, reporting, tax, working capital and treasury in professional services
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A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA, CA, or equivalent qualification is essential
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Demonstrable leadership skills and experience leading and engaging large national teams with the ability to motivate and grow a high performing senior team, and shape the team to respond to changing business needs
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Strong knowledge and understanding of Australian tax law, accounting principles, and compliance regulations and reporting requirements
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Strategic thinker, commercial acumen and an entrepreneurial mindset with analytical and strategic problem-solving abilities
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Advanced proficiency with financial systems
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with all levels of the firm
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Superior skills managing complex and diverse stakeholder expectations and interests and ability to influence across organisational boundaries to achieve results
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Demonstrated ability in building strong and effective relationships and working with senior stakeholders
Why MinterEllison
We offer flexible working options to encourage balance, wellbeing and support for sustainable ways of working and a range of social, financial and health benefits, including free gym membership - all with no minimum tenure.
We encourage applications from people of all ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds, genders (including trans or gender diverse), LGBTQ+ people and those with carer responsibilities. We particularly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.
How to apply
We prefer to connect with people directly, so please submit your CV by clicking on the 'Apply' button. We encourage all applications, including if you do not meet the criteria listed for the role. Your application will also enable us to consider you for other opportunities that may be available at MinterEllison.
If you are currently a MinterEllison employee, please apply through the internal careers page.
Sydney, AU Brisbane, AU