Finance Business Partner, Primary Schools (Eastern Region)

At Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Ltd (MACS) we envision every student to be inspired and enabled to flourish and enrich the world. MACS is the largest Catholic school system in Australia. We own, govern and operate approximately 300 Catholic schools, employ over 16,000 staff and serve more than 112,000 students and their families in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. It is an exciting time to join MACS, where we are transforming to bring to life our recently launched strategic plan: MACS 2030: forming lives to enrich the world. 

WHY WORK FOR US?

• Professional development opportunities with a defined personalised annual budget
• Access to flexible working arrangements, which include working from home arrangements
• You will work in a tight-knit, supportive team to ensure you succeed in your role

YOUR ROLE

The Finance Business Partner for the Eastern Region collaborates with Primary Schools, focusing on budget preparation, grant applications, and connecting schools to MACS services. They establish close relationships with schools to help them build strong financial structures, manage risks, and plan strategically. This role requires autonomy, a strategic mindset, and hands-on support for Principals and school administration staff. Key responsibilities include budget preparation, auditing, and implementing financial initiatives. You will work independently at Primary school sites in the Eastern Region while schools are open, with flexible work from home options during school holidays as well as some days available during school terms.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Prepare annual budgets, financial forecasts and manage cash flow for the schools
• Undertake monthly analysis of budget to actuals for the schools
• Review and sign-off on Annual Financial Statements (AFS) and oversee the annual audit including all external audit requirements
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to achieve the best outcome for the school
• Ensure relevant Federal, State and Local Government legal and funding requirements are adhered to
• Mentor school administrative staff in finance best practice

ABOUT YOU

• You are a proven successful Finance Business Partner/Manager with tertiary qualifications in business management and/or accounting or equivalent relevant experience.
• Strong financial management expertise, including familiarity with ERP systems, SSC operations, and Government funding in education, with the ability to analyse changes' impact on school funding and compliance.
• Capacity to lead financial aspects of capital/maintenance works and manage financial leadership and risk in a school setting.
• You hold a full membership to the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand or CPA Australia

Salary for this position is $135,759 per annum exclusive of superannuation. This is a 1.0 FTE fixed-term contract for approximately 12 months with the potential to extend.

HOW TO APPLY

Please refer to the position description for further details about the role and the Key Selection Criteria.

Click APPLY to submit your application. If you have any queries about this role, they can be directed to our HR team by email ***********@macs.vic.edu.au

You will need to provide:

1.  An up to-date Resume and

2.  A cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria, limited to two pages

Note: MACS is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children in our care. The successful candidate must hold or acquire, and maintain a Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and/or Working with Children Check, and must be willing to obtain and maintain a National Criminal History Check.

Candidates must hold full Australian Working Rights, and provide evidence of this.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 4.00pm Wednesday, 3 April 2024