Finance and Administration Manager

WHO WE ARE The Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI) is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation recognised for its Indigenous governance leadership, knowledge, and excellence. We connect Indigenous peoples, organisations and communities with tools, resources, and networks to achieve self-determination through strong self-governance. AIGI’s headquarters are located at the Brisbane Technology Park in Eight Mile Plains, Queensland, with staff working remotely in various Australian states and territories. AIGI is governed by an all-Indigenous Board of Directors. Our current strategic plan was launched in 2025 and will complete its cycle in 2028 with a strong focus on Indigenous Governance Leadership and Success, Indigenous knowledge and wisdom, and Sustainability. To find out more about our organisation, visit our website THE OPPORTUNITY The Finance and Administration Manager is responsible for ensuring strong financial oversight and control at AIGI. This role collaborates closely with the CEO and external accountants to maintain financial integrity, guide strategic financial planning, and support compliance and audit readiness. Serving as the key internal financial lead, the Finance and Administration Manager’s primary focus is to provide oversight of AIGI’s financial systems and processes, strengthen internal financial controls, and translate financial reports into meaningful operational insights. This ensures the CEO, Board, and wider organisation can make informed decisions based on timely and accurate financial information. The Finance Manager also plays a critical role in the annual budget process, financial forecasting, and external audit coordination. Main role responsibilities include: ·       Maintain the integrity of all financial transactions and income/expenditure through robust internal controls and accounting compliance. ·       Lead the annual budget process and maintain accurate forecasting, providing financial modelling to inform strategic decisions. ·       Deliver timely and insightful financial reports (monthly/quarterly) to the Board, interpreting data to highlight risks and opportunities. ·       Coordinate the annual audit and manage compliance obligations, including grant acquittal reporting. ·       Integrate financial controls with WHS (Work Health & Safety) compliance and ensure risk registers are aligned. ·       Manage the organisation's relationship with external accountants and professional advisors. ·       Prepare and present financial information clearly and accessibly at Board and Committee meetings. ·       Review and manage the organisation’s insurance coverage and compliance documentation. ·       Drive continuous improvement in all financial and administrative processes. WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED To be successful in this role, you ideally have: ·       Demonstrated ability to work closely with Indigenous organisations, communities and individuals in culturally appropriate ways, including an ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. ·       A relevant tertiary qualification in Accounting, Commerce, Finance, or a related field. ·       Demonstrated experience in a financial management role, ideally within a not-for-profit (NFP), Indigenous, or government organisation. ·       Advanced proficiency in P&L forecasting, budget development, and financial modelling, including the ability to provide scenario-based insights. ·       Significant experience preparing and presenting financial reports for Boards and sub-committees, including preparing variance explanations and dashboards. ·       Strong knowledge and experience coordinating annual audits, managing compliance obligations, and preparing grant acquittals. ·       Expert ability in financial oversight, including income/expenditure review, coding accuracy, and implementing robust internal control systems. ·       Familiarity with WHS (Work Health & Safety), financial management and integrating WHS risks and compliance requirements into financial reporting and risk registers. ·       Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with key external and internal stakeholders. ·       Advanced Excel skills and demonstrated competency using relevant accounting software (e.g., Xero). WHO YOU ARE You are a highly experienced and meticulous Finance Manager with a strong background in governance, compliance, and financial management within the NFP or government sector. You are skilled in leading the full financial cycle, from advanced budgeting and forecasting to implementing robust internal controls. Your analytical approach allows you to successfully translate complex data into clear strategic insights for the Board and CEO. Crucially, you bring cultural competence and respect for working effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. You are adept at managing key external relationships (accountants, auditors) and ensuring that financial, WHS, and risk management systems are fully integrated, compliant, and continuously improved. HOW TO APPLY We ask that you provide a cover letter addressing the selection criteria including your skills, experience and qualifications (maximum 2 pages) as well as your resume with your application. Should you have any questions, or need support in preparing these, please contact Poppy Whale at AIGI is committed to achieving diversity and we strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. AIGI acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders, past present and emerging. This job advertisement comes from Gadigal Country.