Location: Sydney, NSW - this role will require presence in office.
Organisation Type: Not-for-Profit (NFP)
Sector: Water Sports / Community Engagement / Recreation
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

About Us

We are a passionate not-for-profit organisation committed to promoting access, safety, and participation in water sports across NSW. Through programs, events, training, and advocacy, we bring communities together on and around the water - fostering health, inclusion, and environmental stewardship.

Role Overview

The Head of Finance is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for the financial sustainability, transparency, and strategic financial direction of the organisation. This role balances robust financial oversight with a passion for supporting community-driven outcomes in the water sports sector.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and Board to shape and deliver long-term financial strategies aligned with our mission.
• Provide commercial insight and financial modelling to support growth, program delivery, and capital investment.

Financial Management & Compliance

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting.
•  Ensure compliance with ATO and relevant Australian accounting standards and NFP regulations.
•  Manage financial audits, risk management, and internal control processes.

Grants, Funding, and Revenue Diversification

• Lead financial planning for grant applications, acquittals, and donor reporting.
• Work with program and development teams to support funding strategy and diversify revenue (e.g., sponsorships, donations, events).

Team & Systems

• Manage and develop x1 finance staff; oversee outsourced providers (e.g., Statutory Reporting (BAS, IAS) & EOFY Audit.
• Continually improve financial systems, processes, and reporting tools to drive efficiency and insight.

Board and Stakeholder Reporting

• Prepare financial board packs and present to the Board.
• Support strategic decision-making through clear, actionable financial data and scenario planning.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CA/CPA qualification preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience in a senior finance role, ideally within the NFP, sport or community sector.
• Demonstrated experience with financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance.
• Strong understanding of Australian NFP regulatory environment, including ACNC, DGR status, and grant reporting.
• Proven ability to communicate complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Passion for water sports, outdoor recreation, or community engagement.
• Experience with Xero, or other cloud-based finance systems.
• Familiarity with government and philanthropic grant processes.
• Previous experience reporting to a Board or Finance Committee.

What We Offer

• Purpose-driven, values-based culture.
• Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid options.
• The opportunity to make a real difference in Australian communities.