Financial Controller - AU

NOTE: Applications for this role must be submitted via Seek.com.au

This role is for the individual who will thrive in this pivotal role, touching on all aspects of the accounts function and managing a broad range of activities on any given day. This position centres around bookkeeping, procurement, payroll and reporting, and will be critical to the success of the company as it establishes itself as a globally competitive innovator of cutting-edge technologies and proprietary autonomous robotic systems for the space, resources and defence industries. It will require a motivated and driven professional to manage our transition from startup to industry ready.

This position starts with understanding the company’s immediate and long-term vision and ensuring the accounting function provides the foundations necessary to achieve this vision. It extends to aiding the Operations Director and US-based Director of Finance with a variety of finance, budgeting and account oversight tasks, and supporting teams across the business with procurement, expense management and reporting. You will be responsible and accountable for the financial operations of the company, ensuring (with support from external specialist accountants) that the entity is compliant with relevant regulations and reporting is prepared in alignment with accounting principles. You will also be responsible for helping to document business processes and procedures, identifying opportunities for operational improvement and proposing solutions to drive positive change in the team’s practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the financial operations of the company, including:

• • Invoicing, accounts receivable and payable processes, including cash flow management.
    • Payroll activities, including time sheet support and the bi-weekly payroll process.
    • Purchasing activities, including creating purchase orders, ordering, receiving and recording invoices.
    • Tracking inbound purchase orders and managing customer invoicing activities.
    • Preparation and review of activity statements, including the reconciliation of accounts and addressing any discrepancies.
    • Month-end close procedures and financial reconciliations, reporting to the leadership team.
    • Year-end close procedures in collaboration with external accountants to complete tax returns.

• Oversee external accounting firms in relation to bookkeeping, tax and payroll activities.

• Perform data analysis and modelling to support business case development and evaluate returns on potential projects, coordinating closely with senior leadership in Australia and the US-based parent company, operations directorate colleagues, and teams across the business.

• Empower managers and team leads to control budgetary planning, maintain cost controls, manage the expense reporting process and ensure correct accounting and cost categorisation processes are followed.

• Guide project managers to track assumptions and run sensitivity analysis to evaluate project risks.

• Participate in special projects, ad hoc reporting, and other general accounting-related duties as needed from time-to-time.

Required Qualifications:

• Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience in accounting, finance, business management or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years’ of proven experience as an internal accountant or accounts manager.
• Strong analytical skills with proven financial acumen and knowledge of financial reporting and forecasting best practices.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including external bookkeepers and tax accountants.
• Self-motivated with exceptional organisation and time management skills, an innate sense of urgency and extraordinary multitasking skills.
• Effective verbal, written and interpersonal skills, confident and assertive while also being warm and personable.
• Strong understanding of ATO-compliant accrual accounting practices, keen attention to detail and desire for accuracy and compliance.
• High level of competence in Microsoft Office 365 (including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, SharePoint and Teams) and experience in learning and utilising relevant technology and systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in similar role in the aerospace industry and/or a technology startup environment.

• Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA).

• Experience using the Xero accounting platform.

• Experience using business intelligence software such as Microsoft Power BI.

• Experience working in a startup environment.

Lunar Outpost Oceania is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against protected characteristics (gender, age, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability, veteran status). We want all employees (including executives and HR) to treat others with respect and professionalism.