Racing Australia
Chief Financial Officer
Location: Melbourne or Sydney
The Organisation
Racing Australia is the peak body for Australian breeding and racing consisting of the six State and two Territory racing authorities which are recognised by the Australian Rules of Racing as Principal Racing Authorities (PRAs).
This industry is one of the iconic industries of the nation with a long and proud history of achievement. As an industry, their economic contribution is around $13.5 billion with 51 per cent (or $6.9 billion) of economic activity generated in regional Australia. The Thoroughbred racing industry provide jobs for approximately 75,000 Australians and nearly 160,000 participate in the Thoroughbred racing industry as a participant, employee or volunteer - 63 per cent of whom reside in regional areas. This includes 21,425 volunteers who assist and support racing clubs and participants. No industry or sport covers the breadth of Australia like Thoroughbred Racing.
Chief Financial Officer
Position Overview
Racing Australia is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join their small but influential organisation. Representing and supporting a major sporting industry, their organisation plays a critical leadership role in governance, strategy, advocacy, and industry operation and development.
As a key member of the executive team, the CFO will be responsible for both the day-to-day financial operations of the organisation and providing high-level strategic financial advice to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board.
This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who is equally comfortable managing daily accounting functions as they are contributing to long-term organisational planning, governance, and financial strategy.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management & Reporting
- Manage all day-to-day financial operations including accounts payable and receivable, payroll, reconciliations, and cash flow management
- Prepare monthly management accounts, financial reports, and quarterly board reporting packs
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
- Monitor organisational performance against budget and provide analysis and recommendations
- Ensure accurate and timely preparation of annual financial statements
- Coordinate and manage the annual external audit process
- Maintain strong internal financial controls and risk management processes
- Oversee taxation compliance including BAS, GST, PAYG, FBT, and other statutory obligations
- Manage banking relationships, investments, and treasury functions
- Manage oversight of the Jockey Insurance Program funding
- Manage oversight of Racing Materials wholesaler program
- Manage oversight of Bureau Services Service Level Agreements to Principal Racing Authorities
Strategic Leadership
- Provide strategic financial advice to the CEO and Board to support informed decision-making
- Contribute to organisational strategy, business planning, and long-term financial sustainability
- Identify opportunities for improved operational efficiency and financial performance
- Support the development and evaluation of commercial opportunities, partnerships, and industry initiatives
- Assist in funding strategy, grant management, and stakeholder reporting where required
- Provide financial modelling and scenario planning for major projects and strategic initiatives
Governance & Board Support
- Act as a trusted advisor to the Board on financial governance and risk
- Prepare high-quality board papers, reports, and recommendations
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, legal, and governance obligations
- Support company secretary functions as required, including policy oversight and governance frameworks
· Assist with risk management and organisational compliance programs
Leadership & Culture
- Contribute positively to a collaborative and high-performing workplace culture
- Contribute positively as a member of the executive team in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer and General Counsel.
- Support and mentor staff in financial processes and accountability
- Work closely across all functions of the organisation to ensure strong financial discipline and understanding
- Oversee the Human Resource function in conjunction with the COO and General Counsel
Skills & Experience
Essential
- CPA or CA qualified
- Significant senior finance experience, ideally in a small to medium-sized organisation where hands-on financial management is required
- Strong technical accounting capability with excellent attention to detail
- Experience preparing board reports and presenting to senior leadership and boards
- Strong strategic thinking and commercial acumen
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Proven ability to work autonomously and manage competing priorities
- High levels of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment
- Resident in, and with unrestricted working rights for Australia
Desirable
- Knowledge and understanding of thoroughbred racing highly desirable
- Experience within sport, bureau service, membership organisations, or industry associations
- Understanding of governance frameworks relevant to sporting organisations
- Experience with competitive stakeholder environments
- Company secretariat or governance experience
Personal Attributes
- Pragmatic and solutions-focused
- Strategic thinker with strong business judgment
- Comfortable operating in a small team environment
- Hands-on, adaptable, and willing to work across both strategic and operational matters
- Trusted advisor with excellent relationship-building skills
- Passion for sport and contributing to industry leadership
- Excellent written and spoken English language skills
Why Join Racing Australia
This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role in an organisation that shapes and supports a major sporting industry. You will work closely with the CEO, Board and Executive team, influence strategic direction, and make a meaningful impact across the thoroughbred racing industry.
If you are looking for a role where you can combine hands-on financial leadership with strategic influence, Racing Australia would love to hear from you.
Interested?
Applications may be made via this job site’s application button.
Applications must include a resume.
Queries can be directed in confidence to the consultant assisting Racing Australia, Bruce Handmer, MD The Friday Group, at 0418922955.
Please Note: Only applicants who live and work in Australia without visa / other restrictions will be considered.
Applications close on the 13th of August.
