The Lost Dogs' Home is one of Australia's most respected animal welfare organisations, committed to giving animals the best chance of a happy and healthy life. Through the reunification of lost pets with their families, adoption services and animal welfare programs, the organisation plays a critical role supporting Victorian communities and companion animals.
With a proud history and strong community presence, The Lost Dogs' Home continues to invest in its people, systems and services to ensure long-term sustainability and impact. Guided by values of accountability, collaboration and stewardship, the organisation combines commercial discipline with a genuine commitment to animal welfare outcomes.
The Role
Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer is a key member of the Executive Team and provides strategic leadership across finance, governance, risk, compliance and organisational sustainability. The role works closely with the Board and Finance & Audit Committee, ensuring that financial resources are effectively managed and aligned to supporting The Lost Dogs' Home's mission and strategic objectives.
This role is responsible for leading all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, treasury, reporting, governance, audit, taxation and systems optimisation, while developing a high-performing finance function capable of supporting the organisation's future needs.
As a trusted advisor to the CEO, Executive Team and Board, you will provide commercial insight, financial stewardship and strategic guidance to support informed decision-making and long-term organisational success.
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Develop and lead the organisation's financial strategy, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and long-term sustainability.
- Provide strategic financial advice and commercial insight to the CEO, Executive Team and Board.
- Support organisational planning, growth initiatives and resource allocation decisions.
- Drive a culture of financial accountability and capability across the organisation.
Financial Management & Performance
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning processes.
- Deliver insightful financial analysis and reporting to support organisational performance.
- Oversee cash flow, treasury management, liquidity planning and capital allocation.
- Identify opportunities to improve financial performance, efficiencies and resource utilisation.
Governance, Risk & Compliance
- Maintain robust financial governance frameworks and internal controls.
- Lead external audit processes and manage regulatory, statutory and taxation compliance.
- Provide guidance to the Board and Finance Committee on financial risk and governance matters.
- Ensure funding, contractual and reporting obligations are met to a high standard.
Systems, Reporting & Transformation
- Lead the optimisation of finance systems, reporting tools and financial processes.
- Enhance data integrity, reporting capability and decision support across the organisation.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve efficiency, accountability and scalability.
- Champion finance technology and system enhancements, with experience in enterprise platforms highly regarded.
Leadership & Capability
- Lead, mentor and develop the finance team.
- Foster a culture of high performance, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Partner with leaders across the organisation to strengthen commercial and financial capability.
- Contribute as an active member of the Executive Team and broader organisational initiatives.
About You
You are an experienced Chief Financial Officer with a track record of leading organisations through periods of change, transformation and performance improvement.
You bring strong commercial acumen, exceptional stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence at Board and Executive level. Importantly, you are a values-driven leader who understands the balance between achieving financial sustainability and supporting an organisation's broader purpose.
You will bring:
- Proven experience operating as a CFO or equivalent executive finance leader.
- Strong strategic and commercial capability with the confidence to challenge and influence senior stakeholders.
- Experience leading financial turnaround, transformation or performance improvement initiatives.
- Demonstrated success operating within complex, stakeholder-rich environments.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with Boards, Executives and operational leaders.
- High emotional intelligence, strong judgement and a collaborative leadership style.
- CA/CPA qualification or equivalent.
Candidates from the
for-profit and
commercial sectors are encouraged to apply.
Benefits
- Executive-level leadership role in one of Victoria's most recognised purpose-driven organisations.
- Opportunity to partner directly with the CEO, Board and Executive Team.
- Play a significant role shaping the financial sustainability and future direction of the organisation.
- Lead meaningful transformation initiatives across finance, systems and governance.
- Collaborative culture driven by purpose, accountability and community impact.
How to Apply
To apply online, please click on the appropriate link below. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please contact
Haydn Glass at Sharp & Carter.
Any third-party or direct applications will be forwarded to Sharp & Carter for consideration.
