Finance & Accounting
Management
Footscray, VIC
Full time

24/7/2025

Lead financial strategy in a purpose-driven, high-impact organisation
Guide a talented team and shape cross-functional decision-making
Make a real difference in the lives of people seeking asylum & refuge

About Us:
Founded in 2001, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is Australia’s largest human rights organisation providing support to people seeking asylum. We are an independent not-for-profit organisation whose programs support and empower people seeking asylum to maximise their own physical, mental and social well being. We champion the rights of people seeking asylum and mobilise a community of compassion to create lasting social and policy change.

We are a values-driven organisation that strives to be part of a change movement that supports people seeking asylum by providing critical services such as assistance with accommodation, food, medical and legal services.

The ASRC movement is proudly supported by a community of committed volunteers and supporters who embrace the organisation’s vision that people seeking asylum can live safely, sustainably, independently and equally.

About the Role:
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is seeking a strategic, values-driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead our finance function and contribute to the long-term sustainability and impact of our organisation.
As a key member of the Senior Management Team, the CFO plays a pivotal role in shaping ASRC’s financial strategy, overseeing financial compliance and reporting, and guiding the organisation through key decisions with sound financial insight. You’ll lead and mentor a team of professionals and volunteers, ensuring best practice in budgeting, forecasting, reporting, payroll and risk management.

This is a hands-on leadership role that balances strategic thinking with operational excellence. It’s an exciting opportunity to use your financial expertise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people seeking asylum while working within a values-led, purpose-driven organisation.

Key Accountabilities:

As the Chief Financial Officer, you will:

Act as a key member of the Senior Management Team, contributing to whole-of-business strategy and decision-making.
Lead and develop a high-performing team of finance professionals and volunteers.
Actively participate as a member of the Senior Management Team by demonstrating values-based leadership and providing strategic subject matter advice to the Office of the CEO, Board and relevant Board Committees on financial and investment decisions and with Senior Management colleagues on operational matters.
Guide and coach the organisation to enhance financial literacy and performance.
Effective cash flow management, maximizing earnings potential for the organisation.
Lead the finance function, including ensuring the effectiveness of annual budgets, resource allocation, financial compliance, forecasts, overseeing payroll, and setting the strategic direction of the finance function.
Ensure timely, accurate and regular financial reporting to ensure good governance and inform business decisions and accountability through both historical analysis as well as forward looking forecasting and budgeting.
Lead and participate in cross-functional projects to improve organisational financial performance and compliance to ensure organisational sustainability.
Develop and maintain robust compliance and audit processes in collaboration with the Head of Governance, Risk and Corporate Services.
Build and manage effective relationships with key stakeholders including Head of Governance Risk and Corporate Services, the Finance Committee Chair, Finance Committee, the Auditor and the Board.
Develop and implement appropriate financial policies, procedures and controls to ensure compliance with relevant statutory and legislative requirements including preparing of the annual IFRS financial statements and input into the annual report.
Actively role model and lead improvements to occupational health and safety standards to ensure the ASRC workforce feel safe and supported at work.
Centre the rights of people seeking asylum and actively working toward bringing the ASRC vision and purpose to life.
Drive and embed the ASRC values through behaviours that contribute to a culturally safe, inclusive and respectful workplace.

About You:
You are a strategic, values-aligned finance leader with extensive experience as a CFO or senior finance leader—ideally in the not-for-profit or social impact sector. You have professional membership (CA/CPA) and can apply that knowledge in a pragmatic and meaningful way to guide strategic financial decision making. You bring a proven track record in financial strategy, reporting, compliance, financial processes and team leadership.

You're just as comfortable engaging with a board or presenting to a finance committee as you are rolling up your sleeves to get across the details. You understand financial processes and their impact on the business. You thrive in a dynamic environment where problem solving and analytical skills lead to opportunities for improvement and areas for growth.

You lead with integrity and empathy, and you’re passionate about building capability in others—both within your team and across the organisation. Importantly, you have a deep appreciation for diversity and inclusion, and bring cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural communication skills to your leadership approach.

Lived experience of seeking asylum in Australia is highly desirable. Knowledge of policy and issues impacting on people seeking asylum in Australia as well as previous experience working within a not-for-profit environment, would also be advantageous.

Employee Benefits:
Joining the ASRC means being a part of the largest human rights organisation in Australia, supporting refugees and people seeking asylum. We recognise and appreciate our incredible staff for their contribution, dedication and passion to support and empower people seeking asylum by providing the following conditions above the relevant modern award:

Flexible Working Arrangements, including the ability to work remotely. We do have a 60% in-office approach to building our team cohesion.
Annual Leave Loading of 17.5%
Additional discretionary leave provisions including:
- Leave for Cultural or Religiously Significant Events
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Leave
- Leave for Staff Seeking Asylum
- Gender Affirmation Leave
Regular community lunch
Free onsite car and bicycle parking
Salary packaging (up to $15,900 per year tax free)
Entertainment Packaging (up to $2,650 per year tax free)
Discounts via HR systems provider at grocery and retail outlets
Close proximity to public transport (100 metres from Footscray station and buses)

Application Process

Only applications that include a CV and cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria, will be considered. If your application does not include a cover letter it will not be considered.

Applications close Thursday 14th August at 5:00pm.

Shortlisting for this position will commence immediately, and the position may close earlier than stated if we have found suitable candidates.

All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory Criminal History Check and provision of a valid Working with Children Check prior to commencement.

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC)

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