Director of Finance and Business Operations

About the role

Freshwater Christian College, a co-educational Christian school in Cairns, North Queensland, is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Finance and Business Operations. Reporting to the Principal as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Director provides strategic and operational leadership across the College's financial and business functions, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and aligning resources, infrastructure and operations with the College's mission. The role covers finance, facilities, capital development, ICT, risk and compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial advice to the Principal and the Board
• Lead financial management, budgeting, forecasting and financial modelling
• Oversee finance, facilities, capital development, ICT, risk and compliance
• Manage capital works, facilities and major projects
• Lead, develop and motivate a multi-disciplinary team

Required profile

• An authentic Christian faith committed to upholding the College's Christian beliefs, values and vision
• Senior-level experience in financial management and business operations, ideally in a school or similar environment
• Experience managing capital works, facilities and major projects
• Right to work in Australia and relevant tertiary qualifications in accounting, finance, commerce or business; postgraduate qualifications highly regarded
• Experience in schools, including understanding of Kindergarten funding and regulatory requirements, is valuable

Required skills

• Strategic financial planning, budgeting and forecasting
• Knowledge of governance, compliance and risk management frameworks, including taxation and funding acquittal requirements
• Ability to turn financial data into clear advice for non-financial audiences
• Stakeholder management with the Board, staff, parents and the wider community

The application closes on 15 November 2026 and must be submitted through the recruitment partner's online application form.