Chief Financial Officer

About Racing Australia

Racing Australia serves as the peak body for Australian breeding and racing, comprising six State and two Territory racing authorities recognized by the Australian Rules of Racing as Principal Racing Authorities. This iconic industry contributes approximately $13.5 billion annually to the economy, with over half of that generated in regional Australia. The thoroughbred racing sector provides employment to around 75,000 Australians and engages nearly 160,000 individuals as participants, employees, or volunteers—63% of whom live in regional areas. This includes more than 21,000 volunteers supporting clubs and participants. Thoroughbred racing uniquely spans the breadth of Australia.

Position Overview

Racing Australia is searching for an astute and experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join their small but impactful team. This executive role requires oversight of the organisation's daily financial activities as well as providing strategic financial direction to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board. The ideal candidate will be comfortable leading hands-on financial management while actively participating in long-term planning, governance, and strategy within a major sporting industry.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead daily financial operations including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, reconciliations, and cash flow management
• Prepare monthly management accounts, financial reports, and quarterly board reporting packages
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
• Analyze organisational performance against budgets and advise on improvements
• Oversee preparation of annual financial statements and coordinate external audits
• Ensure robust internal financial controls and risk management
• Meet taxation compliance requirements covering BAS, GST, PAYG, FBT, and other statutory obligations
• Manage banking relationships, investments, and treasury functions
• Supervise funding related to the Jockey Insurance Program and Racing Materials wholesaler program
• Oversee Bureau Services Service Level Agreements with Principal Racing Authorities
• Advise CEO and Board strategically to support sound financial decisions
• Contribute to organisational strategy, long-term sustainability, and business planning
• Identify operational efficiencies and financial performance enhancements
• Assist in evaluating commercial opportunities, partnerships, and industry initiatives
• Support funding strategies, grant management, and stakeholder reporting as needed
• Provide financial modeling and scenario analysis for major projects
• Function as a trusted advisor on financial governance and risk to the Board
• Produce high-quality board papers and reports
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and governance standards
• Assist company secretary duties, including policy governance and oversight
• Support risk management and organisational compliance programs
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance workplace culture
• Collaborate with executive leadership including COO, CTO, and General Counsel
• Mentor finance staff ensuring strong financial discipline and accountability
• Work cross-functionally to embed financial understanding
• Co-oversee Human Resources function with COO and General Counsel

Required Skills and Experience

• CPA or CA qualification mandatory
• Extensive senior finance experience preferably in a small to medium enterprise requiring hands-on involvement
• Strong technical accounting skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Proven experience in preparing and presenting reports for boards and senior management
• Sharp strategic thinker with sound commercial insight
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management capabilities
• Ability to operate independently while managing multiple priorities
• Committed to high integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment
• Must be a resident of Australia with unrestricted work rights

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with thoroughbred racing industry highly advantageous
• Experience in sport, membership organisations, bureau services, or industry associations
• Understanding of governance in sporting organisations
• Experience in competitive stakeholder environments
• Company secretariat or corporate governance experience

Personal Attributes

• Practical and solutions-driven mindset
• Strong business judgment and strategic thinking
• Comfortable working in a small team setting
• Hands-on and flexible, adept at balancing strategic and operational duties
• Trusted advisor with excellent relationship-building skills
• Passion for sport and industry leadership
• Excellent command of written and spoken English

Why Join Racing Australia

This position offers the chance to hold a pivotal financial leadership role influencing a significant sporting organisation. Working directly with the CEO, Board, and executive team, the CFO will impact strategic direction and support the thoroughbred racing industry at a national level. If you seek a role combining direct financial accountability with strategic impact, Racing Australia welcomes your application.

Additional Information

Applications must include a current resume. Only applicants residing in Australia with unrestricted working rights will be considered. For inquiries, contact the recruitment consultant supporting Racing Australia by phone. Applications close on 13th August.