Chief Financial Officer

Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion (QAI) is an independent advocacy organisation whose purpose is to advocate for the protection and advancement of the needs, rights and lives of people with disability in Queensland. We do this by engaging in systemic advocacy through campaigns and submissions directed at attitudinal, law and policy change, and by supporting the development of a range of advocacy initiatives throughout our state. We also provide advocacy to individuals with disability through our four advocacy practices: Human Rights Advocacy Practice, Mental Health Advocacy Practice, NDIS Appeals and Disability Advocacy Practice. We are a registered charity and community legal service that works to uphold the principles of fundamental human rights, social justice and inclusion in community life.

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is pivotal to providing strategic direction for the corporate and financial governance of the organisation.  This is a critical management role, requiring a high level of financial expertise, leadership and strategic thinking to position the organisation for growth and stability aligned with future direction. The CFO is responsible for the financial management, reporting, and statutory compliance for the organisation, ensuring internal and external obligations are met, timely and of a high standard. The CFO will work closely with the CEO and other senior management to develop and implement financial strategies that support QAI’s objectives.

The position will be filled on a full-time basis (would consider part-time), but part time options can be considered.  Commencing as soon as possible and falls under the Social, Community, Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHDS Award).  It will be paid at Level 8, with the pay point commensurate with experience. QAI has charitable status allowing for generous salary sacrificing packaging. 

The key duties include, but are not limited to:

• Together with the management team, create a cohesive and effective working executive relationship which sets a positive workplace culture and framework to meet operational and strategic outcomes for the organisation.
• Oversee and perform the day-to-day financial operations of the organisation, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, financial reporting, accounts payable and accounts receivable, with the support of a part time bookkeeper.
• Provide financial advice and analysis to the CEO and treasurer for reporting to the Management Committee on all strategic and operational aspects of financial management for the organisation.
• Lead collaborative financial planning processes for the organisation to ensure effective planning cycles within the practice areas, aligned with the strategic direction of the organisation.
• Implement robust financial and corporate management systems to increase organisational efficiency, accountability, transparency and decision-making.
• Manage the relationship with the external auditor, statutory bodies, funders and banks ensuring that QAI meets all requirements for annual financial statements and reports.
• Ensure an appropriate internal control framework supported by relevant financial and risk management policies including organisational compliance to the Delegations Policy.
• Ensure all payroll responsibilities, including the timely and accurate payment of wages, and communication regarding pay conditions, arrangements and regulatory requirements are met. 
• Identify current and potential financial risks to the organisation and develop appropriate programs and strategies to manage and mitigate those risks.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, accounting principles, and internal policies and procedures.

Essential:

• Strong commitment to human rights, social justice and diversity.
• Senior level financial management expertise, including taxation, compliance, asset management, insurance, reporting and legal issues in a complex organisation with significant income, contract management and reporting requirements.
• Superior problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to negotiate successful outcomes in potentially challenging circumstances.
• Proven decision-making within the constraints of policy and the provision of advice and support to all facets of an organisation.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise with a wide range of stakeholders including management, staff, clients, statutory bodies and other external organisations such as funding bodies.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications or significant accounting experience.
• Criminal history screening clearance.

Desirable:

• Lived experience of disability.
• Previous management experience at a Community Legal Centre and/or in the not-for-profit sector.

We are an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion within our workplace and were the first organisation to opt-in to being bound by the Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld). We encourage First Nations people and people with disability to apply as the position would benefit from a person with lived experiences.  Applicants are encouraged to request reasonable adjustments if required to assist the application and recruitment process.  We pride ourselves on fostering a friendly and supportive workplace culture as we take the well-being of our staff seriously. Our well-being program includes staff activities such as walks by the river, yoga or potluck lunches, creating opportunities to connect with each other and take a break from our screens. 

We also offer salary sacrificing options, a flexible work environment, professional supervision, paid parental leave and portable long service leave, which is now standard across the sector.

A position description is attached. QAI is willing to customize the role to facilitate candidates with disability. 

Please submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the EssentialSelection Criteria to ***@qai.org.au. In order to be considered for this role, you must address the selection criteria. Please address any questions to 07 3844 4*** or ***@qai.org.au using the subject line: CFO Enquiry.

Applications for this position close, 5pm, 15th May 2024.