Description

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity exists for an accomplished Chief Financial Officer to join an innovative and growing biotechnology organisation at a pivotal stage of its development.

Operating within the advanced therapies and life sciences sector, the organisation combines scientific excellence with commercial capability to deliver complex manufacturing and healthcare solutions. As we continue to expand their operations, strengthen their commercial partnerships and position the business for future growth, they are seeking a commercially astute CFO who can provide strategic financial leadership while remaining comfortable working in a dynamic SME environment.

This is a rare opportunity to become a key member of the executive leadership team, working closely with the CEO and Board to influence strategic direction, secure sustainable funding pathways and build the financial capability required for long-term success.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and working closely with the Board, the Chief Financial Officer will be responsible for leading the organisation's finance function and providing strategic advice across all aspects of financial management, governance and commercial decision making.

This role extends well beyond traditional financial stewardship. You will play a critical role in shaping business strategy, supporting commercial growth initiatives, developing funding strategies, evaluating investment opportunities and ensuring the organisation maintains a strong financial position in a rapidly evolving industry.

The successful candidate will combine strategic thinking with a pragmatic, hands-on approach and will be comfortable operating in an agile organisation where collaboration, initiative and adaptability are highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and execute the organisation's financial strategy in partnership with the CEO and Board.
• Lead long-term financial planning and forecasting aligned with organisational objectives.
• Provide commercial insights to support strategic growth initiatives and business development opportunities.
• Deliver robust financial modelling, scenario analysis and investment evaluations to support executive decision making.
• Contribute to organisational strategy as an active member of the Executive Leadership Team.

Financial Management

• Lead all aspects of financial management including budgeting, forecasting, treasury and cash flow management.
• Optimise financial performance through effective planning, analysis and performance reporting.
• Oversee procurement and inventory financial controls to support operational efficiency.
• Manage foreign exchange exposures and liquidity planning.
• Ensure sustainable pricing and costing models for complex manufacturing and service contracts.
• Drive continuous improvement across finance systems, processes and reporting.

Funding Strategy and Capital Management

• Partner with the CEO to develop and implement the organisation's funding strategy.
• Identify and pursue grant funding, government programs and other non-dilutive funding opportunities.
• Support broader capital management initiatives, including investor engagement, strategic partnerships and future capital raising activities.
• Develop sophisticated cash flow forecasting and funding scenarios to support growth plans.

Financial Reporting and Governance

• Ensure timely and accurate statutory and management reporting.
• Prepare high-quality Board papers, financial analysis and executive reports.
• Lead annual budgeting, audit and financial reporting processes.
• Maintain effective internal controls and ensure compliance with all financial and regulatory obligations.
• Support the Board in maintaining best practice corporate governance.

Company Secretary

• Coordinate Board and Committee meetings.
• Prepare Board agendas, papers and minutes.
• Manage statutory filings and corporate governance obligations.
• Maintain company registers and corporate records.
• Support Director appointments, inductions and governance activities.

Risk and Compliance

• Lead enterprise risk management frameworks and financial risk oversight.
• Maintain organisational risk registers and support Board risk governance.
• Ensure compliance with legislative, taxation and corporate governance requirements.
• Support organisational compliance with relevant ISO standards and quality systems.
• Develop governance frameworks to support investment decisions and return-on-investment analysis.

Leadership

• Lead and develop the finance team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Build strong partnerships across operational, commercial and technical teams.
• Mentor and develop finance capability across the organisation.
• Contribute to a high-performing executive leadership culture.

About You

You are a commercially minded finance executive who enjoys balancing strategic leadership with operational delivery. You thrive in environments where you can make a tangible impact and are motivated by helping innovative organisations achieve ambitious growth objectives.

You will bring:

• CPA or CA qualification with relevant tertiary qualifications.
• Significant senior financial leadership experience, ideally as a CFO or senior finance executive.
• Demonstrated success developing financial strategy within a complex commercial environment.
• Extensive experience in financial planning, reporting, taxation, treasury, compliance and governance.
• Advanced financial modelling and scenario planning capabilities.
• Experience developing funding strategies, capital planning and securing external funding.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience supporting business growth, pricing and investment decisions.
• Outstanding stakeholder management skills with the ability to build trusted relationships across Boards, executives, government agencies, investors, auditors and external partners.
• Experience preparing Board papers and presenting financial information to Boards and Committees.
• Excellent leadership, communication and influencing skills.
• A collaborative, hands-on approach suited to an SME environment.

Desirable Experience

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following will be highly regarded:

• Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, life sciences or healthcare.
• Manufacturing or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Research and development organisations.
• Government funding programs and grant management.
• Company Secretary responsibilities.
• MBA or postgraduate leadership qualifications.

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to join a purpose-driven organisation working at the forefront of Australian biotechnology.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Influence the strategic direction of an innovative and growing organisation.
• Work directly with an experienced CEO and engaged Board.
• Lead funding and capital strategies that support future growth.
• Build and enhance finance capability across the business.
• Work in an environment where your contribution will have a visible and meaningful impact.
• Be part of a collaborative leadership team committed to innovation, quality and continuous improvement.

If you are an experienced finance executive looking for an opportunity to combine commercial leadership with purpose, innovation and strategic influence, we would welcome your application. Our client are also open to hearing from candidates who would be interested in the opportunity on a part-time capacity.

Job Reference Number: 06810-0013434046LH

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