Chief Financial Officer

About the opportunity

Davidson is partnering with a key human services organisation to appoint a Chief Financial Officer. This is a rare opportunity for an experienced government sector finance executive to influence the sustainability and future direction of a geographically dispersed service environment, with a direct connection to outcomes for communities across urban, regional and remote settings.

Working as a key member of the executive leadership team, the CFO will lead financial strategy, stewardship and performance across a complex, highly regulated public health environment. The role combines strategic influence with practical delivery: you will need to move confidently from advising senior decision-makers to getting into the detail of financial analysis, modelling and improvement planning when required.

Your impact

• Lead a clear and credible response to budget and cost pressures, providing analysis and advice that supports sound operational decisions.
• Shape the financial framework, performance culture and governance practices that support long-term sustainability.
• Strengthen financial risk management, compliance and stewardship across grants, procurement, contracts, systems and resources.
• Stabilise and develop the finance leadership team, setting clear expectations for capability, accountability, delivery and professional standards.
• Build trusted relationships with senior executives, government and funding stakeholders, Treasury, hospital leaders and medical professionals.
• Lead practical change through improved data, digital tools and modernised financial processes, while maintaining confidence across the organisation.

About you

You are a strategic and credible finance leader who can connect financial stewardship with operational reality. You may be an established CFO or an experienced Deputy CFO ready to step into your first substantive CFO appointment. Most importantly, you will bring:

• Senior financial leadership experience in public health, hospital networks, health services, human services or another similarly complex public-sector environment.
• Extensive capability across budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, statutory reporting, audit, compliance, governance and financial systems.
• The judgement and communication skills to explain difficult financial issues, challenge assumptions and influence stakeholders while maintaining constructive relationships.
• A proven record of leading change, developing diverse teams and building a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• A hands-on approach and the confidence to work closely with the detail in a lean or resource-constrained environment.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in accounting, finance, business or related discipline.
• Full membership of a recognised professional accounting body such as Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) or the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).

Why this role

• Make a visible contribution to the financial sustainability of essential health services.
• Work at the centre of complex decisions where finance, service delivery, workforce needs and community outcomes intersect.
• Have the scope to strengthen a finance function, develop leadership capability and drive meaningful organisational improvement.
• Take on a substantial executive appointment with genuine progression potential for an accomplished Deputy CFO.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant health or public-sector finance leadership experience and your motivation in applying for the role. For a confidential discussion, please contact Karen Ireland on 0452 548 494.

Davidson is committed to equal opportunity and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please let us know.