Financial Controller

OUR CLIENT Our client is a global industrial and manufacturing business with a strong footprint across the APAC region and a parent company headquartered overseas. With local operations of approximately $50 million, and growth forecast to exceed $60 million next year, they supply critical equipment, parts, and service solutions to customers across Australia. This is a busy, hands‑on environment where finance sits at the centre of commercial decision‑making. Led by a highly regarded local Managing Director with a blue‑chip background, the culture is collaborative, down‑to‑earth and driven by continuous improvement. With significant international reporting and visibility, this role offers true exposure across a large, complex global organisation. THE ROLE Based 5 days per week on‑site in Dandenong South, this opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys being close to operations, working with the shop floor, and partnering with commercial leaders across sales, marketing, and service. A rare opportunity has become available for an experienced senior finance professional to step into a Financial Controller‑level contract role supporting both local operations and the global parent. This is an initial day‑rate contract ($750–$800 per day) with a strong view to permanency within 3 months for the right person. Reporting directly to the VP Finance (overseas) and working closely with the local Managing Director, you will act as the right hand to the leadership team—overseeing day‑to‑day finance, uplifting processes, and driving commercial performance across the Australian business. You will lead a small, capable team of four (AP, AR, Payroll, and Accountant) and play a critical role in ensuring the quality of local financial reporting, statutory accounts, internal controls, and operational insights. This is a hands‑on and highly operational role, suited to someone confident moving between strategy and detail, comfortable in global reporting environments, and able to influence across all levels of the business. Key Responsibilities Include: Overseeing month‑end, quarter‑end and year‑end close for the Australian business Reviewing and finalising statutory accounts and compliance documentation Leading, mentoring and developing the local finance team (AP, AR, Payroll, Accountant) Driving budgeting, forecasting and ongoing commercial analysis Partnering with Sales, Operations, Marketing and the Managing Director to improve gross margin, COGS visibility, inventory performance and customer profitability Managing reporting requirements for the overseas parent, including consolidation and multi‑currency reporting Leading finance governance, internal controls and audit readiness Strengthening working capital performance with a focus on inventory, receivables, and cashflow Supporting the MD with strategic planning, business cases and operational efficiencies Participating in early morning / late evening calls with the overseas parent as required WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY? Immediate Impact, Real Ownership – Step straight into a high‑visibility role where you will influence decisions daily and partner directly with senior leadership. Global Exposure with Local Autonomy – Engage with an international parent while enjoying the autonomy and agility of a mid‑sized Australian operation. Pathway to Permanency – This contract has a clear, genuine intention to convert permanent within three months for the right individual. Broad, Strategic Scope – Work across operations, commercial finance, COGS, supply chain, sales and margin improvement — not just reporting. Strong Leadership & Mentorship – Partner closely with an impressive Managing Director who values capability, transparency and continuous improvement. THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE You are an experienced Senior Finance Manager, Financial Controller or Head of Finance with strong technical capability and the confidence to operate independently in a standalone leadership role. You thrive in operational environments, are comfortable partnering with commercial teams, and have experience reporting to an international parent company. You enjoy leading small teams, driving financial discipline, and providing insights that support profitable, sustainable growth. Key Skills and Experience: Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role within manufacturing, industrial, or product‑based environments Strong technical capability across statutory reporting, consolidations, internal controls and compliance Demonstrated success partnering with non‑finance leaders across operations, sales and supply chain Experience working with (or reporting into) an overseas parent company Strong commercial mindset with experience improving COGS, gross margin and inventory performance Ability to lead and develop a finance team Comfortable with early morning or late evening calls when required Must be immediately available to start and attend interviews next week READY TO APPLY? If you’re looking for a hands‑on, commercially impactful role with global visibility and a pathway to permanency, we’d love to hear from you. Follow the Align Talent LinkedIn page for more job opportunities and updates: #J-18808-Ljbffr