OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION

Reporting to and working closely with the CEO, this role is a crucial part of the Sydney Film Festival’s Senior Leadership Team.

The Head of Finance and Administration oversees all financial operation and administrative functions of the Festival and the Travelling Film festival. This role involves strategic financial planning, budgeting, oversight of accounts payable and payroll, financial reporting and ensuring compliance with regulations. The role also has oversight of administrative activities such as facilities management, IT support and human resources.

The key tasks and responsibilities of the Head of Finance and Administration are:

Financial Management

Developing and implementing financial strategies, policies, and procedures aligned with the SFF Strategic Plan.

Overseeing all aspects of financial accounting, reporting and compliance including budgeting, forecasting and statutory reporting.

Managing the annual budget process, presenting financial reports to the Board and Finance Committee and monitoring performance against budget.

Ensuring Compliance with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements including workers compensation and superannuation.

Managing cash flow, investments, and financial risk.

Maintain the company asset register, depreciation schedule and capital budgeting.

Management of the annual external audit

Risk Management – sourcing and recommending an annual insurance program and in conjunction with the CEO and Festival Director regularly reviewing the festival risk matrix.

Corporate Governance

· Perform the duties and responsibilities of a Company Secretary as required by the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC), the Constitution and any other relevant legislation.

· Preparation of Board Minutes

· Maintenance of Board records.

Human Resources

· Maintain current Company Policies – updated in alignment with changes in external legislation or circumstances.

· Oversee the execution of all employment contracts, as well as staff induction and onboarding processes.

· Manage and monitor all workers compensation matters.

Administrative Management

· Overseeing human resource functions, including recruitment, staff development and wellbeing.

Managing payroll and benefits.

Developing and implementing organisational policies and procedures.

Overseeing office administration, including facilities management, IT support, and procurement.

Ensuring smooth day-to-day operations of the organisation.

Stakeholder Management

Liaising with internal stakeholders, such as other department heads (operations & events, marketing, philanthropy, partnerships and programming).

Liaising with external stakeholders such as suppliers and Insurers.

Building and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders, such as auditors and regulatory bodies.

Strategic Leadership

· Providing Financial insights to the CEO, Festival Director, and Board of Directors.

· Contributing to the strategic planning and long-term financial stability of the Festival

· Representing the organisation to external stakeholders, including funders and partners.

· Lead, inspire and upskill the finance department team, including creating open channels for communication, identifying risks and opportunities, solving problems, and making decisions.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

· Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

· CPA or CA qualification

· Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar or related field.

· Proven Experience in Financial Management, ideally within the arts, culture, or non-profit sectors

· Effective and practical working knowledge of relevant Australian laws, regulations, tax and compliance.

· Strong Understanding of systems, reporting, and compliance standards. The Festival uses MYOB accounting software.

· Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Proven leadership, management, and communication skills, with the ability to engage with a diverse team.

· Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

· Experience in strategic planning and financial analysis.

CORE COMPETENCIES

· Team Focus: Is committed and skilled at working with and assisting others to achieve positive outcomes.

· Flexible: Demonstrates a willingness to take on new challenges roles and responsibilities and adapt positively to changing working conditions and priorities.

· Self-Starting: Highly motivated to achieve, shows initiative and acts proactively to deliver excellent results without directive supervision.

· Interpersonal: Skilled at building rapport, understanding others needs and developing effective working relationships.

To apply for the position, please send your CV and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria, and your suitability for the role addressed to Frances Wallace, CEO at [email protected] by 9am Monday 4 August 2025. Applications without a cover letter and resume will not be considered, and applications must be received via direct email, and not through any online portals. Interviews to commence shortly after application closing date.