A.B. Paterson College is seeking a strategic and results-driven Finance Manager to join our dynamic Finance Team.
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this role is an outstanding opportunity to shape financial practices, lead process improvements, and strengthen systems that support the College’s long-term sustainability. The Finance Manager will build strong partnerships across departments, ensure compliance and accountability, and contribute to the ongoing success of a values-driven organisation.
This is a permanent, full-time opportunity to apply your expertise in financial leadership, governance, and operational excellence within an environment where your contribution genuinely matters.
Based on the beautiful Gold Coast, A.B. Paterson College is an independent school for students from Prep to Year 12, dedicated to developing young men and women of character – leaders now and for the future. Established in 1991 and named after the Australian poet Banjo Paterson, the College has built a reputation as one of Australia’s leading schools.
With an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing and safety of children, state-of-the-art facilities, passionate staff, and a forward-thinking approach to education, the College continues to inspire excellence and innovation. Partnerships with industry leaders and global organisations reflect our standing on the world stage and our commitment to a lasting educational legacy.
Come and join our team of highly professional educators and corporate services professionals, striving towards delivering excellent educational outcomes.
Why Choose A.B. Paterson College:
- Competitive remuneration packages exceeding award rates.
- Annual wage increases in accordance with the Enterprise Agreement.
- Leave loading payable on four weeks of annual leave (pro rata for part-time staff).
- Tuition fee discounts for permanent employees' children.
- Salary packaging and novated leasing options via RemServ.
- Annualised salary arrangements for term-time employees.
- Employer superannuation contributions with optional co-contribution benefits.
- 14 weeks paid maternity leave, with the option to receive a payment at half pay for 28 weeks, to support staff during significant life transitions
- 10 days paid parental leave to promote family wellbeing and work-life balance
- Coverage under Work Cover Queensland for injury support.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students.
- Spacious campus with expansive green space and gardens.
- Dedicated relaxation within staff facilities featuring massage chairs and fully equipped kitchen and dining area.
- Onsite café serving barista coffee and food.
- Beautiful, central location on the Gold Coast.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the Finance Team – Provide mentorship, build capability, and foster a collaborative, high-performance culture with clear goals and strong operational resilience.
- Financial Management & Reporting – Oversee core accounting functions, monthly reporting, budgeting, forecasting, treasury management and strategic financial analysis.
- Audit & Compliance – Manage the full audit cycle and ensure timely, accurate compliance with all regulatory, statutory and funding obligations (ACNC, government programs, BAS/FBT, census, ISQ, CRICOS and more).
- Assets & Capital Projects – Oversee fixed asset management, capital works financials, grant acquittals and robust documentation for funding and capital expenditure.
- Payroll Oversight – Provide strategic leadership of the payroll function, ensuring accuracy, legislative compliance, system integrity and ongoing process improvement.
- Accounts Payable & Receivable – Ensure timely, compliant processing, strong controls, supplier management, and effective debt recovery practices.
- Analytics & Insights – Develop dashboards and reporting tools (including Power BI), provide meaningful insights to support decision-making, and build data literacy across the College.
- Policy, Controls & Risk Management – Maintain robust financial controls, procedures and governance frameworks to support long-term sustainability and operational efficiency.
- Strategic and Commercial Support – Provide financial evaluation and advice for business opportunities, commercial operations and College strategic initiatives.
- Stakeholder Engagement – Build strong relationships across the College, delivering exceptional service and trusted financial expertise to senior leaders and budget owners.
What We’re Looking For:
- Tertiary qualifications in Accounting, Finance or Commerce, with CA/CPA accreditation
- 5+ years of proven experience in financial management and reporting, ideally in a complex, multi-function environment, prior schools experience will be highly regarded.
- A valid Bluecard (Working with Children check) (or willing to obtain)
- A current CPR and First Aid Certificate (or willing to obtain)
Skills we need:
- Demonstrated leadership capability, with experience developing teams, driving accountability and fostering a positive culture.
- Strong technical accounting knowledge, including budgeting, forecasting, reconciliations and compliance requirements.
- Experience managing audits, external reporting and statutory obligations.
- Working knowledge of payroll, accounts payable/receivable and financial controls.
- Advanced analytical and reporting skills, including dashboard development and a continuous improvement mindset.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to simplify complex information for diverse audiences.
- Strong attention to detail, sound judgement and a proactive approach to problem-solving and risk mitigation.
- High integrity and commitment to confidentiality, particularly when handling sensitive financial and organisational information.
To learn more about the College and the role, please review the Applicant Information pack.
Apply now for this leadership role as Finance Manager and join our dedicated team at A.B. Paterson College!
Closing date for applications is 16 January 2026 (The College will be closed from 22 December to 5 January; applications remain open throughout this period)
Submit your application and please include:
- A one-page cover letter outlining your suitability for the position
- A Curriculum Vitae, including contact details of two professional referees to whom you have reported (to be contacted in the later stages of the process, with your permission)
- Copies of relevant qualifications and registration (or equivalent)
All applications will be treated confidentially.
A.B. Paterson College reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage of the recruitment process and to approach suitable candidates directly.