Financial Controller - Defence & Maritime Engineering

About the role

A PE-backed defence and maritime engineering business is looking for a Financial Controller to lead its Australian finance function. As country head of finance, you will own local finance and work directly with the Managing Director on decisions such as pricing, contracts, investment and growth. You report to an overseas Group CFO. The business is described as a small, close-knit team with the backing of a wider group, and the position is newly created.

Key responsibilities

• Lead month-end close, management reporting and group reporting.
• Own budgets, forecasts, cash flow and working capital.
• Oversee financial controls, Australian tax compliance, statutory reporting and audit requirements.
• Support pricing, bids, contracts and investment analysis.
• Improve finance processes and reporting, working with external accountants and auditors.
• Stay close to day-to-day accounting and invoicing while giving management a clear view of performance.

Required profile

• Qualified CA, CPA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent, with experience leading finance for an SME, subsidiary or business unit.
• Suited either to an established Financial Controller who stays hands-on, or an experienced Finance Manager ready for broader responsibility.
• Strong Australian reporting, tax and compliance knowledge.
• Ability to work within an international or multi-entity group.
• Defence, engineering, manufacturing or technology experience is valuable; exposure to PE-backed businesses, finance systems projects, ASDEFCON or CASG cost principles is useful but not essential.

The application is made through Collins Executive Recruitment, which treats all applications in strict confidence.