Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer

• Executive role with a clear succession pathway
• Full-time, flexible hours, onsite in Benalla
• Competitive salary plus maximum salary packaging

Cooinda is a community-owned, not-for-profit aged care provider in Benalla, North East Victoria. Established by the local community in 1969, Cooinda provides residential aged care for 73 residents, including dementia and respite care, alongside 67 independent living units, and is proud of its person-centred care and strong local connections.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer will take full ownership of Cooinda's finance function across residential aged care and retirement living. As a member of a close-knit Executive Leadership Team of four, you will set financial strategy, lead a small and capable finance team, attend Cooinda's monthly Board meeting day, and report to the Board, Finance Committee and Development Committee.

This is a wonderful time to join Cooinda. A warm and supportive CEO and an engaged Board are leading a period of positive change, and the CFO will play a key role in strengthening financial systems and reporting, growing the finance team, and helping to build a warm, respectful and accountable workplace culture. This is a hands-on role for a leader who enjoys being close to the detail as well as the big picture, and who is ready to make the role their own. For the right person, there is a clear pathway for future career progression into executive succession.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership, including capital management, treasury, investment oversight, financial modelling and long-term financial planning.
• Prepare clear, timely financial reports and analysis for the CEO, Board, Finance Committee and Development Committee.
• Manage residential care and ILU billing, accommodation payments (RADs, DAPs and ILU lease premiums) and liquidity, in line with the Financial and Prudential Standards.
• Maximise government funding through accurate AN-ACC data, reconciliation and reporting.
• Oversee preparation and lodgement of all regulatory financial reporting, including the Quarterly Financial Report, Aged Care Financial Report and Care Minutes Performance Statement.
• Lead the annual budget, cash flow forecasting, month-end processes, reconciliations, internal controls and the external audit.
• Oversee payroll across complex award structures, and the effective use of finance, payroll and rostering systems.
• Lead, mentor and grow the finance team, including the recruitment of new team members, setting clear priorities and leading by example.
• Contribute as an active member of the Executive Leadership Team to strategy, planning and a positive organisational culture.

Key Selection Criteria

Success in this role requires strong technical expertise, a hands-on approach and alignment with Cooinda's values of excellence, learning and knowledge, creativity, respect and relationships. You are a down-to-earth, kind and collaborative leader who is equally comfortable completing a reconciliation as presenting to the Board.

Essential

• A bachelor degree in accounting, finance, commerce or a related discipline, and current CPA or CA membership.
• Proven experience as a CFO, Finance Manager or Financial Controller, ideally in residential aged care, health or the not-for-profit sector.
• Sound working knowledge of AN-ACC, the Aged Care Act 2024, the Financial and Prudential Standards and aged care financial reporting, including the QFR and ACFR.
• Understanding of RADs, DAPs and retirement living finances, including ILU resident contracts, deferred management fees and capital obligations, and the ability to explain fees and charges clearly to residents and families.
• Hands-on technical accounting experience across budgets, cash flow, reconciliations, financial controls, audit and payroll oversight, with experience in Xero and payroll and rostering systems.
• Strong financial modelling, capital and treasury management skills, with the ability to prepare clear financial reports for the Board and provide confident advice to the CEO.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and build a small team, and to champion a positive, respectful and accountable workplace culture.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative, approachable style and the ability to explain complex financial information to non-finance colleagues.

The successful candidate will be required to complete a satisfactory National Police Check prior to commencement.

Benefits of Working with Cooinda

At Cooinda, you will be joining a supportive, community-focused organisation at an exciting stage of its journey. Cooinda offers:

• Leadership and Strategic Influence: Join an evolving Executive Leadership Team as a vital, highly visible member whose strategies and innovation will drive Cooinda's future success, with the role recognised across the whole organisation.
• Board Engagement: Work closely with the CEO and Board, presenting to the Board and its committees and playing a central part in the development and execution of Cooinda's strategy.
• Competitive Remuneration: An attractive salary package, commensurate with skills and experience.
• Salary Packaging: Maximum not-for-profit salary packaging, plus a meal entertainment allowance, to significantly increase your take-home pay.
• Flexible Hours: A full-time, 38-hour week with flexibility in your start and finish times to support your work-life balance.
• Career Progression: A genuine opportunity to grow with the organisation, with a pathway to future executive succession for the right person.
• Onsite Parking: Convenient onsite parking at Cooinda's Benalla campus.
• Relocation Support: Two months' accommodation support for candidates relocating to Benalla.
• Regional Lifestyle: Enjoy the relaxed, affordable lifestyle of Benalla and North East Victoria, with easy access to Melbourne, the High Country and the Murray.

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of the finance function of a respected community aged care provider, and to help shape its future.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced, hands-on finance leader ready for your next step, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the link below with an up-to-date resume and cover letter, or for a confidential discussion, contact Gabrielle Patterson on 0416 170 100 or gab@pattersonrecruitment.com.au.

Applications are being reviewed as they are received and interviews will be held as suitable candidates apply, so please apply early to avoid missing out.

Cooinda and Patterson Recruitment are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected and valued. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ individuals, neurodivergent individuals, and people of all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know.