About Northern Schools Early Years

The Northern Schools Early Years (NSEY) is an Early Years Management group that supports 18 Early Childhood services, 16 of which are co-located on school sites. We are proud to have been awarded in two categories in the 2023 Department of Education’s Victorian Early Years Awards. The Ministers award for our Continuity of Early Learning: NSEY operates as a Kindergarten to Year 6 (K-6) model and supports collaboration between early childhood services and primary schools at every level and provides continuity of learning for children and families as they transition from kindergarten to school. The second award, Improving Access and Participation in Early Learning, recognized NSEY's commitment to improving access and participation for families and children.  Our purpose is to “Love a Life of Learning and Living,” and we aim to set the highest standard of early years education in partnership with local schools and the community. We are committed to maximising outcomes for children in the early years, encouraging opportunities for families to be involved in their child’s early education and promoting professional career support, development and well-being for our educators. 

This is an opportunity to be part of a passionate team that is committed to supporting the best outcomes for the children and families in our community.

The Opportunity

We are seeking to employ an experienced Finance Manager who will work with the CEO to ensure the ongoing financial viability and sustainability of a growing Early Years Management organisation with an annual turnover of $13 million.

We're looking for a values-driven, CPA/CA qualified leader with experience navigating complex, highly regulated environments-ideally with a strong understanding of the not-for-profit or government-funded sectors. You'll bring a track record of managing multiple budgets, grants, and funding compliance, and lead with influence, collaboration, and a commitment to operational excellence.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a pivotal senior leadership position responsible for the   performance of our finance and services operations. You will lead financial planning and oversee integrated financial and procurement operations,  and deliver timely insights and reports to support our Executive and Board's decision-making.
 

Key Selection Criteria

To be successful in this position, you will have:

• Proven experience as a Finance Manager with CA/CPA qualification and 4-6 years of experience in a senior or management accounting role
• Excellent knowledge of finance systems, budgeting and cost control principles including generally accepted accounting principles and relevant legislations
• Payroll management, IT and Procurement
• Identify and drive process and systems improvements
• Knowledge of State and Commonwealth funding criteria for early years an advantage.
• Manage grants, acquittals, and financial input into funding proposals.
• Contribute to overall executive management team, policy development, and the broader leadership of the organisation
• Oversee enrolments  to maximise revenue and meet statutory obligations
• Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills with the ability to prepare routine and accurate reports with clear and actionable insights for the CEO, Board and external stakeholders to drive strategic decisions
• Ability to communicate in a positive manner with internal and external stakeholder from the community and Government Departments
• Able to manage, guide and lead a small team ensuring financial and operational efficiencies
• Advanced experience and competence in the use of the Microsoft Office Suite,  and capability to learn new systems quickly.

About you:

You will have considerable experience in financial management, accounting  and business solutions, financial systems and processes including budgeting and forecasting. The ability to develop and interpret financial reports to support executive decision-making, experience with organisational risk management, and excellent communication skills. Experience working in an Early Years environment would be highly regarded.

A copy of the position description outlining the selection criteria will be provided on request. 

The Northern Schools Early Years is a child safe organisation and an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander peoples.

To apply for this position, click on the “Quick Apply” button on Seek.

For further information or to obtain a copy of the position description, please call (03) 9306 1662 or email recruitment@nseyc.org.au