Education Centre of Australia (ECA) is a dynamic and diverse education group that stands at the forefront of Australia's higher education sector, boasting campuses in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and most recently in Adelaide, as well as overseas locations in the UK and India. With a rich history spanning over almost two decades, ECA delivers high-quality education including English language courses, bachelor's and postgraduate degrees, and targeted internships. ECA is a successful Australian-based education organisation offering a comprehensive range of face-to-face and online courses for both international and domestic students. Collaborating with respected higher education providers like Victoria University, Charles Sturt University, University of Canberra, University of Tasmania, University of the Sunshine Coast and London Metropolitan University, ECA is committed to delivering a world-class educational experience.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Chief Financial Officer to be part of our team at Education Centre of Australia, a fast-growing education provider with a global footprint.
As a key member of the executive management team based at our Sydney Office, you will have the rewarding opportunity to progress your career within the education industry. We are seeking an innovative and passionate leader with strong financial experience and sound knowledge in corporate governance and IPO preparation.
The CFO will be deeply involved in ECA’s preparation to go to an IPO, including completion of financial statements, forecasts, preparation of roadshow presentation packs for investment banks, analysts, investors and other stakeholders. As ECA prepares for listing, the CFO will need to be sensitive to the culture within the organisation and demonstrate a capacity to bring employees along as the requirements of their roles evolve. Post IPO the CFO will also need to play a key role in investor relations and bring the communication skills required to succeed in this capacity.
Key Responsibilities:
· Provide financial advice and analysis to the Board and CEO on all strategic and operational aspects of financial management for the organization.
· Maximize ECA’s financial strength through effective cash flow management and appropriate investment strategies.
· Drive the long-term forecasting, budget planning and cost management individually for all ECA entities as well as the ECA consolidated Group.
· Ensure prudent management of the Group’s cash flows, interest rates and associated financial risk exposures in line with the Board approved policies.
· Manage the provision of payroll and salary packaging services for employees in consultation with the ECA People, Engagement and Culture team.
· Assist with the negotiations of complex transactions and acquisitions, including the successful integration of acquisitions. Owning the successful delivery of both cost and revenue synergies.
· Lead the development of new financial systems that are scalable and can accommodate acquisitions and potentially international operations.
As the successful candidate you will ideally have:
· Experience with IPO / ASX listed companies.
· Higher Education sector experience, or alternatively, a demonstrated understanding of (and interest in) the education sector and extensive experience in comparable, service-oriented industry settings.
· Tertiary qualifications with senior leadership experience and a CPA/CA accreditation.
· Senior level financial management expertise, including taxation, compliance, asset management, insurance, reporting and legal issues in a complex organization with significant income, contract management and reporting requirements.
· Strong communication and influencing skills, with the gravitas and presence to work with a range of stakeholders including the Board, ECA Key Executives, Investors and the Finance team.
EEO Statement
At ECA, we champion our organizational values which includes ‘Celebrate diversity and inclusion'. We strive to be a place where everyone can thrive.
We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds including but not limited to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, people living with a disability, women, people who identify as LGBTIQA+, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
This position is open only for Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents. We are unable to accept Visa holders for this role.
In return, we offer you:
• Company-paid parental leave (14 weeks at 100% of current pay or 28 weeks at 50% of current pay)
• Employee assistance program with Uprise (6 session per year for staff and direct family members)
• Support through 25% on the full fees for courses offered by ECA as Staff Education Assistance
• Professional development programs
• Travel insurance discount
• Wellbeing brands discounts
• Free access to LinkedIn Learning
• Competitive incentive plan
How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
For further information on this role, to gain insight into our team or if you need assistance due to a disability, please contact Julia Ford (ECA’s HR Manager) on 02 8265 3269 or julia.ford@eca.edu.au.
Thank you for your interest in the position with the ECA Group!
