Financial Controller (Remote)

Overview

Our client, a group of established Australian trade and service businesses operating across construction, maintenance, and specialist coatings, is seeking a Fractional Financial Controller to support two entities.

With teams spanning field crews, project managers, sales, and administration, the businesses are undergoing a modernization of systems, reporting, and financial operations. This role is a critical hire to bring structure, visibility, and strategic financial oversight.

This is not a bookkeeping role—it is a hands-on, strategic finance position focused on reporting, forecasting, and process improvement.

Primary Function

The primary function of this role is to own financial reporting, forecasting, and performance analysis, while improving systems, controls, and overall financial visibility across both businesses.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

Own month-end and year-end close processes
Prepare monthly management accounts and reporting packs, including:
- Profit & Loss
- Balance Sheet
- Cash Flow
- KPI dashboards
- Project profitability reporting
Analyze financial performance and identify trends, risks, and opportunities
Support budgeting and forecasting processes
Develop and maintain rolling cash flow forecasts

Construction & Project Financial Management

Monitor project profitability and job costing
Review margins and investigate variances
Support Work In Progress (WIP) reporting
Partner with project managers to provide financial insights
Improve costing accuracy and operational reporting
Analyze labor utilization and productivity

Cash Flow & Working Capital

Monitor and manage cash flow and working capital
Oversee debtor reporting and collections
Review supplier payment schedules
Support inventory and stock reporting
Identify opportunities to improve cash conversion and efficiency
Help implement stronger procurement processes

Systems & Process Improvement

Improve financial processes, controls, and reporting frameworks
Support implementation and optimization of systems such as:
- Xero
- Simpro
- ServiceM8
- Reporting/dashboard tools
Document finance processes and build SOPs
Identify and implement automation opportunities

Compliance & Governance

Oversee compliance processes including BAS, payroll tax, and superannuation
Liaise with external accountants and advisors
Assist with annual financial statement preparation
Ensure strong financial controls and governance practices

Business Partnering

Work directly with the Managing Director on strategic initiatives
Support pricing and margin analysis
Contribute to growth and acquisition initiatives
Provide commercial recommendations based on financial insights

Required Qualifications

5+ years of experience in a Financial Controller, Finance Manager, or Senior Management Accountant role
Strong knowledge of Australian accounting standards and tax requirements
Advanced experience with Xero
Strong financial modeling, reporting, and forecasting skills
Advanced proficiency in Excel / Google Sheets
Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in:
- Construction
- Trades
- Field services
- Manufacturing
- Project-based businesses
Experience with Simpro and/or ServiceM8
Experience supporting Australian SMEs
CPA, CA, or equivalent certification
Prior experience working remotely with Australian companies

Role Details

Contractor / Fractional engagement (supporting two businesses)
Full-time workload (~40 hours/week total)
Remote role with required overlap to Australian Eastern business hours
Participation in weekly management meetings required
Flexible schedule outside of core overlap hours

What This Role Offers

Opportunity to build and shape a modern finance function across two growing businesses
High-impact, strategic role working directly with leadership
Exposure to multi-entity financial operations and project-based environments
Ability to drive real improvements in reporting, profitability, and decision-making

Who This Role is Ideal For

Finance professionals who think commercially, not just technically
Individuals who enjoy building systems and improving processes
Self-starters who take ownership and drive outcomes independently
Strong communicators who can translate financials into actionable business insights

Success Measures (First 6 Months)

Consistent, reliable monthly reporting delivered on time
Implementation of accurate cash flow forecasting
Improved visibility into project profitability and KPIs
Strengthened financial controls and processes
Enhanced decision-making through clear financial insights

Financial Controller - 19788