Newly created Head of FPA role working with a community focused organisation. Report into the CFO and lead a small FPA team. About Our Client ECMS is a respected Early Learning and Care organisation located in Northcote. As a medium-sized business, it is committed to delivering impactful services and fostering a professional work environment. The business is looking to expand it's offering and this role will be heavily responsible in supporting that growth. Job Description The Head of FPA will be responsible for- Strategic Financial Leadership Lead and manage the development and execution of the financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and growth plans. Provide insightful, data-driven analysis to support executive and board-level decision-making. Partner with senior leaders to evaluate business performance, identify risks and opportunities, and drive financial insights that influence service mix, growth strategy and operational efficiency. System & Process Improvement Design and implement a comprehensive financial reporting architecture, embedding robust processes for budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and management reporting. Develop dashboards, KPI frameworks, and advanced data visualizations to monitor performance and support rapid growth. Establish standardised monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting cycles, with strong financial controls and data validation. Lead and manage the transition from Excel-based models to scalable, automated planning and reporting solutions, including the selection, implementation, and optimization of an EPM system. Drive continuous improvement in reporting accuracy, timeliness, and insights by leveraging business intelligence and AI/ML tools, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance across reporting frameworks. Financial Reporting & Analysis Oversee the preparation and analysis of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including consolidated statements and key performance indicators. Develop and maintain robust financial models to support scenario planning, business cases, strategic investment and long-term forecasting. Lead variance analysis to compare actual results with forecasts and budgets Deliver actionable insights and tailored recommendations that drive strategic decisions and address gaps to improve future outcomes. Provide scenario planning, cost analysis, and business case support for key programs and funding streams. Team Leadership & Business Partnering Manage, mentor, and develop a small FP&A team, fostering analytical capability, ownership and a culture of continuous improvement. Collaborate with operational leaders to embed financial insights in operational decision-making and improve financial literacy. Provide regular business intelligence reports and insights to support site performance optimization. Stakeholder Engagement Serve as a key business partner to the CFO, CEO, and executive team, translating complex financial data into actionable insights. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to support strategic initiatives, investment decisions, and business transformation projects. The Successful Applicant The Head of FPA will ideally meet the below criteria- CA/CPA Qualified Experience across the early childhood education sector would be highly desirable Proven experience of progressive finance experience with a strong emphasis on FP&A Demonstrated leadership with a focus on the FP&A function Extensive experience with EPM platforms and business intelligence/analytics tools (such as Adaptive Planning or Anaplan) Demonstrated expertise in Agile methodology and change management Demonstrated experience with TechnologyOne Strong understanding of data integration and system architecture Strong project management and implementation skills What's on Offer The Head of FPA role is offering- A base salary of $160,000- $175,000 plus super. Flexible/Hybrid working- 2-3 days in office The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the not-for-profit industry. J-18808-Ljbffr
