Requirements for Part-Time Financial Control Officer (3 Days/Week)

Company Group: Citadel IT, Citadel Secure, Hark Communications

I. Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Financial Planning & Analysis:

o Conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of the current financial situation for each of the three companies.

o Identify opportunities for financial optimization, cost reduction, and efficiency improvements across the group.

o Develop and implement strategic financial plans aligned with the business objectives of each entity and the group as a whole.

o Provide expert financial advice and guidance to directors and senior management on decision-making.

2. Debt Management & Reduction:

o Specifically for Citadel IT, develop and execute a robust and sustainable debt repayment strategy for the existing debt (suppliers and ATO).

o Monitor and manage debt levels across the group, proactively addressing any emerging issues.

3. Financial Reporting & Control:

o Design and implement clear, consistent, and timely financial reporting mechanisms for each company and consolidated group overview.

o Establish and maintain strong internal financial controls.

o Oversee the preparation of management accounts and financial statements.

o Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory financial reporting requirements.

4. Cash Flow Management & Forecasting:

o Develop and maintain accurate cash flow forecasting models for each company.

o Proactively manage liquidity and working capital to support operational needs and strategic initiatives.

o Implement strategies to optimize cash conversion cycles.

Bookkeeping & Accounting Oversight:

o Assume responsibility for, or oversee, the day-to-day bookkeeping functions, particularly for Citadel IT which requires a high level of detail in managing numerous invoices and payments.

o Evaluate current bookkeeping practices across all three companies and implement a streamlined, efficient, and potentially centralized solution.

o Manage the relationship with external accountants (e.g., Tick Tax for BAS, TAX, Payroll) and ensure seamless coordination.

o Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data.

6. Budgeting & Performance Monitoring:

o Lead the annual budgeting process for each company.

o Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, providing variance analysis and actionable insights.

7. Stakeholder Management:

o Liaise effectively with directors, the Managing Director, and other key stakeholders.

o Communicate complex financial information clearly and concisely.

II. Qualifications & Experience:

1. Professional Certification:

o Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) qualification is highly preferred.

Experience:

o Proven experience in a senior financial leadership role (e.g., CFO, Financial Controller, Senior Finance Manager), ideally with exposure to SME environments.

o Demonstrable experience in debt management and restructuring.

o Strong background in financial planning, analysis, reporting, and cash flow management.

o Experience working with multiple entities or in a group structure would be advantageous.

o Hands-on experience with bookkeeping and accounting software. (Specify any preferred software if known, e.g., Xero, MYOB).

o Experience in the IT/Managed Services Provider (MSP) sector would be beneficial, though not essential.

III. Skills & Competencies:

1. Technical Skills:

o Exceptional financial acumen and analytical skills.

o Proficiency in financial modelling and forecasting techniques.

o Strong understanding of Australian accounting standards, tax regulations, and corporate governance.

o High level of attention to detail, particularly for bookkeeping and transaction processing.

2. Strategic & Commercial Acumen:

o Ability to think strategically and contribute to broader business strategy.

o Commercially astute with the ability to identify financial implications of business decisions.

3. Leadership & Communication:

o Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.

o Ability to work autonomously and as part of a small, dynamic team.

4. Problem-Solving & Proactivity:

o Proactive and results-oriented, with a focus on continuous improvement.

o Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop practical solutions.

o Demonstrated ability to "fix" financial issues and implement lasting improvements.

IV. Personal Attributes:

1. High level of integrity and professionalism.

2. Organized, methodical, and detail-oriented.

3. Resilient and able to work effectively under pressure.

4. A pragmatic and hands-on approach.

5. Eagerness for a new challenge and to make a significant impact.

V. Working Arrangement:

1. Part-Time: 3 days per week (specific days to be negotiated).

2. Location: Flexible, but with the ability to be present for key meetings as required (assuming Adelaide based).

3. Reporting to: Directors of the group companies.