Finance Manager / Financial Controller - Industrial SME

📍 Townsville, QLD
💰 $90,000 – $140,000 AUD

We are partnering with an international industrial group operating across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East to recruit a Finance Manager for its Australian subsidiary based in Townsville.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role within a growing SME environment. You will report directly to the APAC CFO and work closely with the local Managing Director to strengthen financial performance and structure as the business scales.

The Role

• You will take ownership of the financial management of the Australian entity, covering both industrial services and trading activities.
• This role requires an autonomous, commercially minded finance professional who can operate independently while building structure and improving processes.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process across operational departments
• Prepare and maintain 3-year financial forecasts and medium-term plans
• Consolidate and analyse budget data
• Integrate budget tracking into monthly and quarterly performance monitoring

Reporting & Performance Analysis

• Prepare monthly financial reports for Group submission
• Perform variance analysis (actual vs budget/forecast)
• Provide clear financial commentary to senior leadership
• Produce ad hoc financial analyses as required

Process Development & Systems Improvement

• Develop and implement reporting tools for management
• Improve financial processes and internal controls
• Optimise financial transactions and ensure data reliability
• Enhance and structure the use of Xero
• Implement analytical costing structures (activity-based costing)

Accounting Oversight

• Coordinate monthly, semi-annual and annual closings
• Liaise with local accountants and ensure correct accounting allocation
• Ensure accurate analytical allocation to enable performance monitoring
• Provide off-balance sheet information to Group

Business Partnering & Performance Improvement

• Identify cost optimisation opportunities
• Support operational managers in improving financial performance
• Anticipate financial deviations and recommend corrective actions
• Monitor follow-up actions with management

Other Responsibilities

• Support development projects and prepare business plans
• Manage banking relationships
• Oversee the administrative financial function locally

About You

• 4–7 years’ experience in audit, financial control or FP&A
• Experience within industrial, mining, drilling, chemical or related sectors highly regarded
• Strong exposure to budgeting, forecasting and financial modelling
• Advanced Excel skills
• Experience with accounting systems (Xero is a plus)
• Comfortable working in an international reporting environment
• Autonomous, proactive and able to build structure in a lean environment
• Strong analytical mindset and commercial awareness
• Fluent English required
• Local candidates or professionals open to relocation to Townsville are encouraged to apply.

What’s on Offer

• Salary range: $90,000 – $140,000 AUD (depending on experience)
• Direct exposure to regional CFO and international operations
• High-visibility role within a growing business
• Opportunity to build and structure the finance function
• Medium-term career progression within a global industrial group