Chief Financial Officer

The Organisation

The Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (ZNE-Ag CRC) is an initiative brokered by The University of Queensland and Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and involves a consortium of partners across industry, education and government. It is the largest CRC to be funded with $87 million from the Commonwealth matching $87 million in partner contributions over the ten year life of the grant.

ZNE-Ag CRC aims to catalyse industry, community and government action to achieve Zero Net Emissions from agriculture from 2040, and below zero net emissions by 2050. Agriculture directly contributes to 14% of Australia's national emissions. Their goal is to ensure Australia's agricultural industries keep growing, while they simultaneously achieve ZNE by 2040 and exceed international emissions reduction targets by 2050.

The Opportunity

The CRC is currently in the establishment phase building to the launch of the company with commissioned projects by July 1st. Operations and interim staff are currently supported and resourced by the University of Queensland. As such, the Chief Executive Officer, supported by the Board, has mandated multiple national searches to appoint the key executives to be in place and employed by the newly established CRC upon commencement of operations.

The Role

The CRC will require high level financial reporting and analysis and corporate governance. The need to strategise around financial models and performance, and the rigour required for meeting statutory reporting requirements necessitate the need for an exceptional senior executive. Corporate governance and company secretary skills are essential. While an agricultural background is not mandatory, this role offers a unique opportunity to infuse fresh perspectives from diverse business sectors into the executive team. Key responsibilities will include:

Financial

• Establish and monitor all financial procedures and guidelines;
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including cash flow, banking, and payroll;
• Coordinate collection of financial data for Commonwealth reporting from Members;
• Conduct short and long-term financial planning, including investment strategies; and
• Ensure statutory compliance, manage financial contracts, and provide financial advice to the Executive Team, whilst reporting as necessary to the Board.

Risk

• Coordinate with legal counsel as needed and oversee risk management activities, including monitoring the risk register and arranging insurance renewals; and
• Manage audit processes, including preparing audit files and responding to audit requests, ensuring compliance and accountability.

Company Secretarial

• Support Chair, Directors, and Board Committees as needed, ensuring timely dissemination of board papers and minutes; and
• Manage governance compliance, including calling AGMs, maintaining directors' register, and liaising with Members, while staying abreast of governance legislation and principles.

HR, Office Management & Researcher Support

• Offer financial guidance to research staff on project applications and reporting, while overseeing finance staff when necessary; and
• Aid CEO in post-funding continuation planning and CRC Program exit strategy, including company wind-up administration.

Experience, Skills & Attributes

• Ideally a CPA or CA qualification;
• Expertise in financial reporting, governance, and compliance at a senior executive level;
• Proven ability to establish and monitor financial procedures aligned with organisational goals;
• Leadership in overseeing day-to-day financial operations and risk management;
• Proficiency in company secretarial duties, board reporting and stakeholder communication; and
• Adaptability to diverse business sectors, offering fresh perspectives.

Overwhelmingly, this role will guide financial and governance strategies for the CRC, overseeing reporting, governance, and risk management, while infusing diverse business perspectives into the executive team to drive transformative growth in agricultural innovation.

Location

While Head Office will be based in Brisbane, this opportunity offers flexibility in job location across Australia. The final location will be determined based on the preferences and circumstances of the successful candidate.

The advising consultant for this assignment is James Lazarus - Partner, Executive at u&u.

To submit an application, please click below.