The Organisation
This is a rare opportunity to join one of Australia's most iconic cultural institutions, a world renowned centre of excellence in performing arts education with deep roots in Australia's creative and cultural life. With a proud history of producing some of the country's most celebrated artists, the organisation sits at the intersection of education, the arts, government, and commercial enterprise.
Structured as a not for profit entity, the organisation draws on a diverse and growing revenue base: government funding, undergraduate and postgraduate tuition, a substantial short course and corporate training program, philanthropic support, and commercial partnerships. It is governed by an experienced Board and led by a CEO with a strong track record in creative sector transformation.
Headquartered in Sydney, the organisation is at an exciting inflection point, investing in innovation, expanding its industry footprint, and actively modernising its operations to ensure it remains as dynamic and forward thinking as the talent it produces.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the CEO and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CFO will take ownership of a significant and purposeful transformation agenda. This is not a custodial finance role, it is a mandate to fundamentally re-engineer the Finance Operating Model: addressing structural constraints across systems, processes and people, and shifting the function from operational processing toward proactive, strategic business partnering.
The successful candidate will be both a hands on operator and a credible strategic advisor, providing the CEO, Executive Team, and Board with the financial visibility and analytical rigour required to enforce accountability and drive sustainable performance. The CFO will also oversee the financial management of the organisation's associated Foundation Trust.
Key areas of focus will include: financial systems transformation and ERP migration; design and delivery of high quality board reporting and financial dashboards; strengthening governance and compliance frameworks; revenue modelling and commercial decision support; and leading and developing a capable finance team.
The Person
We are seeking a commercially astute finance executive with senior leadership experience, and at least 10-15 years post qualification (CA/CPA) experience including demonstrated success leading finance transformation programs. Broad based ERP and BI/reporting experience is essential, as is the ability to translate complex financial data into compelling narratives for non-finance audiences.
Familiarity with government funding and compliance obligations would be advantageous. Above all, we are looking for a leader who leads by example: someone who brings rigour, curiosity, and genuine commitment to the mission and values of the organisation.
An MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification is highly regarded.
How to Apply
To apply, please lodge your application via the link in this advertisement. For specific enquiries, please contact Joanne Davies at jdavies@derwentsearch.com.au referencing 33870.
Applications close: Friday, 10th April 2026.
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