Finance Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE

We’re hiring the first in-house finance lead for a growing CRO. It’s a hands-on role where you’ll take ownership of day-to-day finance, but more importantly, build systems, processes and reporting frameworks.

We’re looking for someone who enjoys being in the detail but can also step back, improve how things are done and help the business scale.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Core Finance Operations

• Manage accounts payable and receivable, including supplier payments and collections

• Perform bank reconciliations and maintain a clean, accurate accounting file

• Oversee finance inbox and respond to internal and external queries

Invoicing & Revenue

• Generate monthly invoices based on study trackers

• Manage sponsor invoicing, adjustments and follow-ups

• Improve billing accuracy and reduce invoicing lag

Study-Level Financial Management (CRO-specific)

• Maintain and reconcile study-level trackers

• Allocate and reconcile pass-through expenses

• Respond to sponsor queries on study financials

Payroll & Compliance

• End-to-end payroll processing (including onboarding, terminations and leave)

• Superannuation (SGC), PAYG Withholding and GST obligations

• Business Activity Statement (BAS) and Instalment Activity Statement (IAS) preparation and lodgement

• Payroll tax and WorkCover reporting across different states

Contractor Management

• Review and process contractor invoices

• Assess payroll tax and WorkCover implications

• Coordinate payment schedules

Management Reporting

• Prepare monthly management reports and commentary

• Provide financial insights to support decision-making

• Assist with budgeting, forecasting and cash flow tracking

Process Design & Improvement

• Design and implement scalable finance processes and controls

• Build and refine invoicing, payroll and reporting frameworks

• Document workflows and drive continuous improvement

Ad Hoc & Strategic Support

• Support business growth initiatives, including expansion and M&A activity

• Provide financial analysis and supporting documentation as required

• Act as the key internal liaison for external accountants and advisors, providing timely information, responding to queries and assisting with year-end, tax and compliance matters

SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE

• Accurate, timely and well-structured financial reporting

• Clean, reconciled accounting records with minimal rework

• Efficient and reliable sponsor invoicing processes

• Clear visibility over study-level profitability

• Documented, scalable finance processes that support growth

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Experience in a CRO or clinical trials environment or strong experience in a complex project-based billing environment

• Familiarity with sponsor invoicing, pass-through costs and study-level tracking

• Strong bookkeeping and Xero experience (preferred)

• End to end Australian payroll experience (including Fair Work obligations)

• BAS/IAS preparation with solid understanding of GST, PAYGW and SGC

• Strong communication skills and ability to work directly with senior stakeholders

• High attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities

• Preferred CA/CPA (completed or in progress) or at least bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or commerce.

• Preferred experience with Hubdoc or similar tools

• Experience with banking platforms