About the Role

We are looking for a hands-on Finance Manager / Financial Controller to lead the finance function of a growing, founder-led FMCG wholesale and distribution business.

This role offers end-to-end ownership of finance operations, financial reporting, working capital management, budgeting, cash-flow forecasting and financial controls. The ideal candidate will combine strong accounting fundamentals with commercial acumen and a process-improvement mindset.

The position is suited to a finance professional who enjoys working in a lean, entrepreneurial environment, can operate independently, and is comfortable balancing day-to-day accounting responsibilities with financial planning and business partnering.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Financial Accounting & Reporting :

Own month-end and year-end closing, general ledger, journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations.
Ensure accurate and timely financial statements and management reports.
Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoicing, customer account setup and credit checks.
Manage supplier payments, collections and reconciliation of customer and supplier accounts.
Maintain robust financial controls, accounting processes and documentation.

2. Cash Flow & Working Capital Management :

Prepare and maintain weekly cash-flow forecasts.
Monitor cash positions, receivables, payables and working capital requirements.
Manage borrowing facilities, monitor financial covenants and support banking relationships.
Identify opportunities to improve cash conversion, liquidity and financial efficiency.

3. Commercial & Operational Finance :

Lead budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis and cost allocation.
Oversee inventory accounting, fixed assets, depreciation and landed-cost accounting.
Reconcile customer rebates, promotional claims, retailer deductions and remittances.
Support foreign exchange management and basic hedging activities, where applicable.
Coordinate insurance claims and other finance-related operational matters.

4. Payroll, Tax & Compliance

Oversee payroll processing and related accounting.
Ensure compliance with applicable tax, statutory reporting and financial regulations.
Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, tax advisers and other professional stakeholders.
Experience with Australian tax, payroll and statutory compliance will be advantageous but is not essential.

5. Systems, Automation & Process Improvement :

Manage and improve finance processes, internal controls and reporting workflows.
Support ERP implementation, migration or optimisation, including data cleansing, mapping, testing and reconciliations.
Leverage technology, automation and advanced Excel to improve accuracy and efficiency.
Experience with Odoo is highly desirable; familiarity with SAP, Xero or other ERP/accounting systems is also valuable.
Exposure to Power BI or other reporting and analytics tools would be an advantage.

6. Team & Stakeholder Management :

Lead and support a lean finance team while remaining hands-on with accounting operations.
Work closely with senior management on financial performance, cash flow and business decisions.
Communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, banks, auditors and external advisers.
Take ownership of financial issues, independently verify information and constructively challenge discrepancies when required.

Candidate Profile : Essential experience and capabilities :

Approximately 6–10 years of relevant finance and accounting experience.
Strong knowledge of accounting, financial reporting, month-end closing and financial controls.
Experience managing operational finance activities, including AP, AR, reconciliations and cash flow.
Practical experience in budgeting, forecasting, working capital and management reporting.
Strong Excel skills and experience with ERP or accounting systems.
Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and take end-to-end ownership.
Strong communication, problem-solving and stakeholder-management skills.
Willingness to remain hands-on in a lean, growing business environment.

Preferred qualifications and experience :

Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent professional accounting qualification.
Experience in FMCG, wholesale, distribution, food and beverage, consumer goods, import-export or other inventory-led businesses.
Exposure to inventory accounting, landed costs, customer rebates, trade promotions and retailer reconciliations.
Experience with Odoo or an ERP implementation/transition.
Familiarity with Xero, SAP, Power BI or finance automation tools.
Experience with Australian tax, payroll and statutory compliance; this is an advantage, not a mandatory requirement.

What Success Looks Like :

Accurate and timely month-end and year-end reporting.
Reliable cash-flow forecasting and effective working capital management.
Strong financial controls and well-maintained accounting records.
Efficient AP/AR processes and timely account reconciliations.
Improved finance systems, automation and operational efficiency.
A dependable finance function that supports business growth and informed decision-making.