Chartered Accountant - Melbourne, Australia

Chartered Accountant / Finance Manager – Melbourne, Australia

Location: Initially South Africa, with the intention to relocate to Melbourne, Australia, subject to performance, operational readiness and successful visa sponsorship. The Australian office is based in Keysborough, Victoria.

Company: Confidential Australian employer

Position: Chartered Accountant / Finance Manager

About the Company

Our client is a well-established Australian business operating within the commercial supply, hardware, components and industrial solutions sector, servicing clients across transport, manufacturing, trailer, emergency services and related industries. The business supports customers through multiple branches across Australia, including Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, and is known for supplying quality products, maintaining strong customer relationships and providing practical, reliable solutions to meet operational and production requirements.

Role Overview

Our client is seeking a highly meticulous, commercially astute and technically strong Chartered Accountant to take responsibility for the full finance function and financial management of the Melbourne branch and related subsidiary operations in New South Wales and Queensland. This is a senior finance role requiring exceptional accuracy, disciplined numerical control, strong reporting capability and the ability to manage financial information across multiple branches and business units.

The successful candidate will initially be based in South Africa, working closely with the leadership team in the South African branch while learning the business, systems, processes, reporting structures and financial controls. Once fully operational, performing at the required level and aligned with the company’s relocation requirements, the candidate may be considered for sponsorship to relocate to Australia to work from the Melbourne branch in Keysborough, Victoria.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full finance function for the Melbourne branch and related subsidiaries in all states.
• Oversee financial accounting, management accounting, reporting, reconciliations, budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management.
• Prepare accurate monthly management accounts, financial reports and performance analysis for senior management.
• Ensure strict control over general ledger accuracy, balance sheet reconciliations, creditors, debtors, inventory-related financial controls and intercompany accounts.
• Monitor branch profitability, cost control, margins, working capital and financial performance across multiple operating locations.
• Implement, maintain and improve financial controls, reporting processes and accounting procedures.
• Support compliance with relevant Australian financial, tax, statutory and corporate reporting requirements, working with external advisors where required.
• Assist with annual financial statements, audits, tax packs and year-end reporting processes.
• Provide commercial insight and financial guidance to management to support operational decision-making.
• Review financial risks, identify discrepancies and ensure that all reporting is complete, accurate and submitted on time.
• Liaise with operational teams, branch managers and senior leadership to ensure financial discipline across the business.
• Support system, process and reporting improvements as the business continues to grow.

Minimum Requirements

• Qualified Chartered Accountant with current professional registration.
• Relevant business, commerce, finance or accounting degree essential.
• Proven experience in a senior finance, financial management, accounting or commercial finance role.
• Experience managing a full finance function across branches, subsidiaries or multiple business units will be highly advantageous.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and excellent management reporting ability.
• Advanced numerical accuracy, analytical capability and attention to detail.
• Strong computer literacy and experience working with accounting, ERP or business management systems.
• Ability to work initially from South Africa and later relocate to Australia if selected, sponsored and approved for the appropriate Australian work visa pathway.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an exceptionally precise finance professional who is naturally detail-driven, disciplined and methodical. This person must be meticulous with numbers, confident working with complex financial data and able to identify inconsistencies quickly. The role requires someone who takes ownership, works accurately under pressure and understands the importance of strong financial controls in a multi-branch operating environment.

• Highly accurate and numerically excellent.
• Commercially minded with strong business judgement.
• Structured, organised and deadline-driven.
• Confident communicator able to work with senior management and operational teams.
• Ethical, reliable and accountable.
• Comfortable working across South African and Australian business environments.
• Motivated by a long-term career opportunity that may include relocation to Australia.

Relocation and Sponsorship

This role will initially be based in South Africa while the candidate becomes fully familiar with the business, finance function, reporting expectations and operational requirements. Subject to performance, suitability, business needs and successful visa approval, the successful candidate may later relocate to Australia to work from the Melbourne branch in Keysborough, Victoria. Sponsorship may be considered in line with the applicable Australian work visa process and company requirements.

If you are a qualified Chartered Accountant with outstanding numerical accuracy, strong commercial finance experience and the ability to manage a full finance function across multiple operating entities, this is an excellent opportunity to join an established Australian business with strong South African roots and a potential future relocation pathway to Australia.

We are looking for a finance professional who is not only technically competent, but also exceptionally meticulous, detail-focused and committed to financial accuracy. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing the financial control, reporting and commercial performance of the Melbourne branch and related subsidiaries in Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland.