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Head of Finance

Melbourne Permanent View Job Description
This is a hands-on, build-from-scratch finance leadership role suited to someone who thrives in high-growth, ambiguous environments. You will operate as both a strategic partner and a technical finance lead - taking ownership of day-to-day finance operations while helping position the business for its next phase of growth, including future capital raises and international expansion.
  • Opportunity to join a category-defining climate tech company
  • Significant scope to shape the finance function and influence business strategy

About Our Client

Our client is a high-growth, venture-backed climate technology company headquartered in Melbourne, focused on transforming the lithium supply chain through proprietary, next-generation processing technology. Backed by leading global investors across mining, energy, and venture capital, the business is entering a critical phase of commercialisation and scale.

Job Description

Financial Leadership & Strategy

  • Partner with the CEO, Board, and investors to shape financial strategy and support key business decisions
  • Lead financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting processes aligned to scale-up milestones
  • Prepare and deliver bi-monthly Board reporting, including insights on performance, cash runway, and strategic initiatives
  • Support fundraising activities, including financial materials, investor engagement, and due diligence



Financial Operations & Control (Hands-On)

  • Own the full finance function, including month-end and year-end close processes
  • Maintain accurate financial records, including GL management, reconciliations, and reporting integrity
  • Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring strong financial discipline and controls
  • Manage and optimise finance systems, processes, and reporting frameworks



Compliance, Tax & Audit

  • Lead all tax compliance and regulatory reporting requirements (local and international as required)
  • Manage external advisors and oversee the annual audit process end-to-end
  • Ensure compliance with accounting standards, governance requirements, and investor expectations



Grants & Government Funding

  • Take ownership of Australian government grants and funding programs, including application support, reporting, and compliance
  • Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure accurate tracking and utilisation of grant funding



Commercial & Investor Engagement

  • Act as a key interface with investors, board members, and private equity / venture partners
  • Support commercial decision-making through robust financial analysis and insights
  • Contribute to strategic initiatives including partnerships, project development, and international expansion



Financial Modelling & Scale-Up

  • Initially support and eventually take full ownership of financial modelling, including scenario analysis, capital planning, and project economics
  • Build scalable financial infrastructure to support rapid growth and operational complexity
  • Lead the build-out of the finance function, including future hiring, systems, and process design



The Successful Applicant

Core Experience

  • Proven experience in a Head of Finance / CFO (or 2IC) role within a high-growth, VC/PE-backed business
  • Demonstrated success scaling a business from Series A through to later-stage growth
  • Strong technical accounting foundation with hands-on ownership of core finance processes
  • Experience managing audits, tax, and compliance in a growing organisation
  • Exposure to capital raising and investor engagement



Highly Desirable

  • Experience working with or managing government grants / R&D funding (Australia)
  • Background in deep-tech, climate tech, energy, mining, or infrastructure-heavy environments
  • Experience working with institutional investors, venture capital, or private equity stakeholders
  • Advanced financial modelling capability



Personal Attributes

  • Roll-up-your-sleeves mentality - comfortable operating at both strategic and detailed levels
  • Commercially minded with strong problem-solving capability
  • Ability to operate in a fast-paced, evolving environment with ambiguity
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders
  • Builder mindset - motivated to create and scale systems, teams, and processes



What's on Offer

  • Competitive salary package



If you are ready to take the next step in your career, apply today to become a key player in this exciting opportunity.

Contact
Ben Naylor
Quote job ref
JN-032026-6979917
Phone number
+61386166225

Job summary

Function
Accounting & Finance
Specialisation
Financial Director / CFO
Industry
Energy & Natural Resources
Location
Melbourne
Job Type
Permanent
Consultant name
Ben Naylor
Consultant phone
+61386166225
Job Reference
JN-032026-6979917

Diversity & Inclusion at Michael Page

We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role and are committed to building inclusive, diverse workplaces where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. PageGroup acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of the land we operate on.