Business Strategic Advisor

About First Australians Capital

First Australians Capital (FAC) exists to empower Indigenous economic prosperity through a thriving, sustainable, and impactful Indigenous economy. We support First Australians' cultural, creative, and economic strength so that they can become free agents driving their economic futures.

At FAC we believe in community investment; we are catalysts for Indigenous economic prosperity and champions of cultural integrity. Our approach is both simple and profound: empower Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities to shape and determine their financial futures. 

Through Community, Humility, Entrepreneurial Spirit, and Curiosity, we create a culture where ideas flourish. We work together to create a new economy driven by First Australians.  

Community

We elevate community and cultural strengths. Shifting power to and building authentic relationships with the community is at the heart of what we do.

Humility

We listen, walk alongside and value the diverse strengths of our partners working collaboratively for a shared sense of purpose.

Entrepreneurial spirit

We are optimistic and have the confidence to back innovative solutions to create change for future generations.

Curiosity

We live our lives curiously and encourage others to do the same.

About you

Your Business Bank or Commercial Bank acumen, and customer management skills and experience are valued and welcomed at FAC.  

Our Business Strategic Advisory (BSA) roles will allow seasoned bankers to work in a client-facing role in which you will apply your financial expertise and experience across varied industries and deliver business advisory, planning, and support for our Indigenous Business customers in prosperous and challenging times.  

These roles are supported by highly qualified Analysts who complete the full preparation of finance submissions.

About the role

The Business Strategic Advisor is a pivotal role within the Business Advisory team, tasked with supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs in growing sustainable enterprises by providing strategic and timely business advice, and critical support services. Business Services include business planning, financial forecasting, product development, market research, and more.

Our team of Business Strategic Advisors is building business capability, which will allow us to scale and increase investment readiness. 

Our diverse and multi-disciplined team provides guidance, expertise, and resources to Indigenous-led and owned businesses across various areas. We support businesses in achieving their full potential and creating sustaining, thriving, and impactful businesses.

This is a Hybrid role with FAC offices in Melbourne, Brisbane and Newcastle.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed engagement plans for individual businesses in the FAC investment readiness pipeline.
• Develop strong relationships grounded in trust with Indigenous businesses and financial partners, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
• Assist in deal structuring and negotiation by providing insightful financial analysis and preparing detailed proposals, memos, and reports for senior management highlighting key findings, risks, and recommendations.
• Monitor and track the ongoing financial performance of businesses, promptly identifying any emerging risks or potential default scenarios, and advising on mitigation strategies.
• Support and lead management of customers when they are experiencing financial difficulties and times of hardship, and jointly support alongside Analyst team members for any variations/restructuring requests.
• Support customers’ hardship over time until they can meet repayments on the loan and the business is sustainably trading.
• Conduct market research, stay abreast of industry trends and market opportunities that support FACs Enterprises.
• Provide end-to-end strategic business advisory services to Indigenous enterprises, including business planning, strategy, financial forecasting, product development, market research, and more. 
• Conduct analysis of financial statements, cash flow and projections, and industry trends to evaluate the risk profile of businesses, identifying potential issues and opportunities.
• Develop investment proposals for businesses seeking access to capital.
• Support the Associate Director of Business Advisory with developing and implementing the FAC Women’s Economic Empowerment strategy.
• Actively engage and support women-led enterprises and female entrepreneurs to connect with business networks and opportunities and access capital.

These are just some of the key responsibilities. Please see position description for full listing.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Indigenous communities, cultures, and issues affecting Indigenous Australians in business.
• Knowledge of Indigenous economic development and/or impact on capital markets context will be highly valued.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, marketing, commerce, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated skills, knowledge, and experience in business development, including business planning, market research, and financial planning. 
• Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organisational, and personal sales skills
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing budgets. 
• Demonstrated experience managing projects. 
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in financial analysis
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and economic development.
• Strong interpersonal and multi-stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinking and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, proactively and as part of a team.
• Strong computer and technology skills across various marketing and customer relationship programs. 
• Some attendance at after-hours meetings and/or events may be required.
• Interstate travel may, at times, be required.

FAC operates under an Indigenous First approach; we ensure that our Indigenous stakeholders are the designers and drivers of what we do as a team through all business activities and decisions. 

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a one-page cover letter indicating why this role is the one for you. Please note, only applications with a cover letter will be accepted and reviewed.

Indigenous-identified applicants are encouraged.