Business Manager

Position Description: Business Manager

Location:            Marist Centre Brisbane, Ashgrove

Status:               Part time 0.6 FTE (22.5 hours)

Reports to:        Chief Executive Officer

Australian Marist Solidarity

Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) envisions a world where young people have hope and the opportunity to access education. AMS believes that education is the best catalyst for positive change and partners with communities in the Asia-Pacific region to facilitate access to education for young people in need. AMS’ vision is a world where young people have hope and the opportunity to access education.

AMS is an international development agency founded by the Marist Brothers and is a vehicle for expressing the solidarity of Marist Schools and the broader Marist community in Australia with our neighbours. AMS works through partnership with local communities in 18 countries across Asia and the Pacific to help young people reach their brightest potential.

About the Role

The Business Manager role is responsible for managing the business functions of the small but busy AMS team. This involves the development of an operational plan to assist the staff team in implementation of the AMS Strategic Plan, development of risk management tools and oversight, management of budget and audit development, management of the policy and procedure register and development and management of the compliance requirements for AMS accreditation. The position will support the AMS Board’s Finance, Audit and Risk Sub Committee and provide advice for the CEO and AMS Board.  As a small and evolving team, it is important that all staff are flexible in relation to their organisational function. This may include changes to aspects of the role over time, including taking on reasonable additional responsibilities as required.

Selection Criteria

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• 3-5 years’ experience working in a similar or related role.
• Tertiary qualifications in financial management.
• Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal and relationship building skills. 
• Proven management experience including: the development and analysis of financial reports and concepts; knowledge of accounting systems and commercial business practices; use of technology; and experience in the management, direction and development of finance, business and/or operational resources and staff.
• Competence in contract development, supervision and negotiation.
• Proven ability to lead, consult, delegate, analyse and plan in the international development or commercial sector.
• The ability to deal appropriately with industrial and regulatory compliance issues.
• Advanced computer skills and comfort working in a digital environment, including the Microsoft office suite
• A passion for making a contribution to the world and those who are less fortunate

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in business, law or similar.
• Familiarity/experience managing accreditation processes and compliance. 
• Familiarity with core concepts around international development.

Key competencies

• An understanding of and commitment to working within the catholic ethos and in the spirit of the Marist charism
• Excellent organisation, time management and multi-tasking skills
• Demonstrated high level of attention to detail, quality and accuracy
• Ability to act confidentially and with integrity and discretion
• Ability to learn quickly, exercise initiative and work to deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary team

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Financial control and discipline

1. With the Finance Officer, ensure all financial control disciplines and procedures over budgeting, reporting and capital expenditure are established, maintained and reviewed in accordance with the audit standards required of both internal and external stakeholders, auditors and regulators.
2. With the Finance Officer, ensure continuous improvement and development of AMS’ financial operations.
3. Maintain regular contact with AMS’ bankers, legal advisers, investment managers and auditors for the purpose of effectively managing the organisation’s financial position.
4. Oversee operations relating to payroll, superannuation, workers compensation and staff entitlements.
5. Provide support and advice, where appropriate, to the CEO and Board in regard to financial management and reporting.

Contract development and supervision

1. Provide leadership and supervision of all service, supplier, procurement, building and operational contracts which meet the expected standards of quality, economy and appropriateness to AMS’ needs and all relevant legal and compliance requirements.
2. Formulate policies and procedures governing relations with contractors, suppliers, donors, partners and staff.

Asset management

1. Secure and protect AMS’ assets through clear and disciplined acquisition and disposal procedures and ongoing registration of assets.

Risk management and compliance

1. Provide advice and analysis on all areas of risk to AMS’ operations, infrastructure and reputation.
2. Regularly report to the CEO and the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee on the risk management framework of AMS and any areas requiring attention.
3. Negotiate and maintain AMS’ risk and insurance policies in line with these assessments. Ensure AMS has the appropriate insurance policies in line with operating activities, and that coverage addresses risks with adequate information provided to AMS insurers to assess risks.
4. Understand the quantum of risk AMS retains, ensuring the insurance spend is commercially based and that all claims are managed in an expedient manner.
5. Ensure continuous improvement in AMS’ risk profile by active engagement with advisors and other information sources.
6. Ensure AMS fully adheres to and maintains all compliance obligations of statutory authorities and other regulatory bodies. 
7. Manage the operation of a safe work environment through the coordination and leadership of AMS’ WH&S compliance responsibilities.
8. Manage the development and management of a Business Continuity Plan for AMS.
9. Maintain AMS’ policy and procedure registers and manage the development of new policies and procedures and the revision of existing ones, alongside staff with relevant technical expertise where appropriate.

Strategic Analysis and Thought Leadership

1. Provide sound and independent commercial and business analysis to the vision, aspirations and strategic development of AMS.
2. Prepare long term financial planning and options for consideration by the CEO, Finance, Audit & Risk Committee and Board.
3. Develop and prepare financial reports and models which enable AMS to respond quickly and decisively to changes in the international development, economic and regulatory environment.

Benefits

• Five weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part-time)
• Ability to access flexible working arrangements and work life balance
• Access to attractive salary sacrificing arrangements
• A lovely workplace with a daily break for a morning tea together with all staff at the Centre
• Free parking

Other Requirements

Australian Marist Solidarity has zero tolerance of abuse of those who are vulnerable and a strong commitment to their safeguarding.

Prior to commencing with AMS you will be required to undertake a National Criminal History Check and hold or be willing to obtain a Working with Children Check (Blue Card). Please also be advised that COVID-19 vaccination is compulsory at Marist Centre Brisbane, which sits on the site of a school. 

The successful candidate may be required to occasionally travel domestically.

Application

If you’re motivated to make a difference in the lives of young people in need across the Asia Pacific region through your work at AMS please apply by providing your resume along with a cover letter that addresses the selection criteria and key competencies to ******@marists.org.au. Applications will be assessed as they are received.