Chief Financial Officer

Linear Clinical Research [Linear} is a not-for-profit established in 2010 as a visionary collaborative joint venture between the Harry Perkins Institute and the Departments of Health and Commerce. 

Linear was conceived as a focal point for Australian clinical and medical research bringing world-class clinical trials to Western Australia and making innovative therapies available to the WA community. Clinical trials provide early access to innovative treatments and interventions for patients and improves the overall standard of medical care and contributes to a more robust healthcare system.

Linear is seeking a suitably qualified and energetic Perth-based, Chief Financial Officer [CFO].  This position reports to the Managing Director and is an exciting career opportunity for an enthusiastic and positive individual looking to work closely with other senior team members.

The purpose and objectives of this role:

The CFO provides strategic leadership to the overall financial management of Linear and will identify and implement strategies which position the organisation for growth and stability aligned with future direction. Driving commercial success across business operations, cash management, financial systems, taxation and insurance compliance activities are key position responsibilities. 

The role is forward-looking and is designed to incorporate strategy and business partnership to find opportunities to improve profitability, use capital wisely and has the key role of ensuring the ongoing financial sustainability of Linear.

The CFO will also manage the ICT and Facilities & Asset Management teams, ensuring efficient and meaningful service provision in pursuit of the organisation’s strategic objectives.

Key duties and responsibilities include:

Strategic Financial Management

• Provide financial, commercial and governance advice, substantiated by regular reports, to the Board, CEO and Executive Team (this includes long-term business management and sustainable financial strategy, considering external trends, threats and opportunities). 
• Proactively balance risk and innovation, anticipate future needs and opportunities, and seek to ensure Linear’s financial sustainability.
• Working closely with the executive and business units, drive financial performance and margin growth (including the use of pricing and business analysis tools).

Financial Management + Funding 

• Manage Linear’s financial and commercial governance requirements, including the annual audit process, financial board reporting via CEO, compliance, delegation of authority and oversight of risk management framework and systems.  As delegated by the CEO, oversee the proper financial management of Linear ensuring all financial controls are in place and adhered to, that financial systems are fit-for-purpose and properly implemented and that Linear is properly resourced to deliver on the Strategic Plan.
• Provide annual reporting and long-term budget forecasting systems to measure, track and report on progress against budget, critical to improving financial performance of the various business units.

ICT and Facilities / Asset Management 

• Lead the continuous development and implementation of best practice Facilities & Asset Management and ICT procedures and systems to ensure that they optimise organisational efficiency.
• Manage the organisation’s disaster recovery plan, ensuring that systems are in place to effectively respond to myriad challenges, in particular cyber and ransomware attacks.

Leadership

• Monitor the allocation and direct the resources within the company to ensure the achievement of deliverables articulated within applicable team plans, whilst maintaining a high level of service for business as usual activities.
• Maintain effective communication with direct reports to ensure advice provided and decisions made are well informed.
• Hold direct reports accountable to their responsibilities and results.
• Be a role model for effective and positive leadership which is ethical, results driven and future oriented.
• Foster a culture of transparent, effective, timely and appropriate internal and external communication.

Personal abilities and attributes required:

• Significant experience at a senior level (health experience is viewed favourably however not mandatory), in providing strategic leadership and influencing and leading change in complex organisations; including experience working with, advising and/or supporting Boards.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate and manage staff at all levels.
• Effectively convey difficult or complex material into readily understood information, using strong engagement skills to articulate clear advice and adjust communication styles to the situation with diplomacy and understanding of the operating context.
• Exceptional leadership skills with a continuous improvement mindset to inspire and engage a high-performing team. Ability to lead by example and demonstrate a strong sense of integrity, ethics and dependability.
• Demonstrated ability to drive and lead business improvement, innovation and continuous improvement to deliver the best service for the resources available; and continually seek more efficient ways of operating.
• Highly-developed skills in utilising business systems to produce commercial, analytical and financial information to inform key decisions.
• Experience reviewing and providing commercial advice regarding proposals, contracts, funding submissions and agreements and negotiating accordingly.
• Highly-developed interpersonal skills, both verbal and written, evidenced by transparent and clear communication that promotes positive working relationships with clients and staff.
• Significant skills, knowledge and experience in cost optimisation, debt management, accounting, financial management, financial reporting & analysis, financial compliance and the provision of financial advice (including at the Board level).
• Knowledge and experience in strategic and operational planning practices and business performance frameworks.
• Private health insurance or private hospital experience - especially with Medicare/health funding experience (viewed favourably).
• Experience of successful implementation of ERP (viewed favourably).

Qualifications, experience and competency requirements:

• Tertiary level qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher) in a relevant business or management discipline.
• CPA, CA or equivalent. 
• MBA or equivalent (desirable). 

To apply for this role, please submit your CV by following the ‘Apply for this job' link on or before 5 pm WST on 14 March 2024 quoting LINCFO. 

Linear is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion and values applications from all suitably qualified candidates with applicable working rights.

Applications from interstate Candidates are encouraged.

Confidential and private discussion with respect to this position should be directed to Tony Taylor at Stanton Chase on 0488 180 ***.

A detailed Position Description and Candidate Pack is available.

A concurrent search is being conducted in conjunction with this advertisement.

In accordance with our standard policy and due to the expected volume of applicants, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

External agency applications will not be accepted in any circumstances.