Job Description
Position Summary
This role provides end-to-end financial leadership across Focus Partners Australia & Escala Partners, with responsibility for shaping financial strategy, strengthening governance, and driving operational and commercial performance. As a key partner to the Leadership Team, the Group Head of Finance plays a critical role in enabling sustainable, profitable growth while ensuring strong financial discipline and regulatory compliance. The role aligns Australian business requirements with global standards, including US GAAP, and leads the continued development of a high-performing, scalable finance function that supports the organization's long-term strategic objectives.
Primary Responsibilities
Group Financial Leadership
Develop the multi-entity finance vision, operating model and roadmap; across FPA.
Lead, coach and develop the finance team to enhance capability, and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
Provide clear, insight-led advice to the Executive Committee and Board; translate strategy into financial plans and measurable outcomes.
Accountable for developing and maintaining Focus Partners Australia financial and accounting policies, financial reporting systems and consistent processes across FPA, and overseeing the adherence to these, with support from Focus Corporate finance and accounting team.
FP&A, Budgeting, & Performance
Own the annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts and partner with business units and Focus Corporate (NY) to ensure accurate financial planning. Implement driver-based models and scenario analysis.
Monitor financial performance against budget and deliver variance analysis to Executive leadership and Focus Corporate
Run monthly performance cadence: consolidated management packs, variance analysis, KPIs, and actionable recommendations.
Monitor financial performance against budget and provide variance analysis for Executive leadership.
Financial Reporting & Consolidation
Deliver timely and accurate consolidated financial statements and management reports for local leadership and global stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with Australian Accounting Standards and alignment to US GAAP (with support from Focus Corporate team).
Oversee month-end and year-end processes ensuring quality and timeliness.
Produce management reports and executive dashboards with actionable insights.
Prepare and deliver timely, accurate financial reports for local management and internationally.
Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, & Payroll
Oversee accounts payable and receivable functions, ensuring efficient processing and strong controls
Monitor ageing, cash flow impact, and working capital metrics, implementing strategies to improve payment cycles and collections.
Undertake payroll processing and ensure compliance with Fair Work and superannuation requirements.
Ensure accurate reporting and timely payments for employee entitlements including Escala grid payments
Drive automation and process improvement across AP, AR, and payroll workflows.
Treasury, Cash, & Capital
Optimise cash flow, liquidity and working capital; oversee banking relationships and covenant compliance.
Support capital allocation decisions (investments, technology, talent) and return-on-investment tracking.
Tax, Compliance, & Governance
Oversee direct and indirect tax planning, lodgments (BAS, IAS, payroll tax, WorkCover) and reporting across entities; liaise with external tax advisers.
Ensure compliance with ASIC, ATO, AUSTRAC and group reporting requirements.
Maintain strong internal controls and risk management frameworks.
Oversee the audit process, ensuring the timely outcome for all audit requirements.
Systems, Data, & Process Excellence
Work with the Head of Technology & Data and counterparts in Focus Financial Partners to drive the finance technology roadmap (ERP, reporting, automation) in Australia to improve data integrity and cycle-time.
Champion process simplification and digitisation across accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and reporting.
Establish a single source of truth for key financial data and metrics, enabling real-time analytics and dashboards for the Leadership Team
Champion the Focus Workday implementation, including assessment of local platforms and integration with Workday
Commercial Partnering & Growth
Partner with business leaders to evaluate pricing, product mix, client profitability and growth initiatives.
Lead financial due diligence and integration planning for strategic projects/M&A as required.
Provide financial modelling and investment cases for new services, partnerships and scaling opportunities.
Qualifications
CA or CPA qualified is required.
Extensive experience in financial leadership across controls, tax, risk management, treasury, FP&A, and commercial finance—ideally within global financial services organisations.
Strong understanding of Australian tax and compliance requirements.
Advanced proficiency in financial systems and Excel.
Demonstrated experience in data-driven decision-making.
Expertise in FP&A and business partnering to support executive-level planning and decision-making.
Strong financial and management reporting skills.
Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills.
Ability to drive change, innovate, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
Proven leadership and people development skills.
High attention to detail and commitment to compliance.
Skilled in engaging and influencing diverse stakeholders, including executives, business units, vendors, and auditors.
#LI-SF1
About Focus Financial Partners
Focus is a leading financial services firm comprised of integrated wealth management, family office, and business management services. Blending deep expertise and expansive resources with a boutique, client-first fiduciary philosophy, Focus helps individuals, families, and institutions navigate complex financial situations with highly personalized solutions tailored to their unique needs. To learn more about Focus, visit www.focusfinancialpartners.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.
Focus is an equal opportunity employer and bases its employment decisions on the employee or candidate's skillset, and without regard to an employee or candidate's race, color, religion, *** (including pregnancy), gender identity, ****** orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state and/or federal law.
Focus complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact careers@focuspartners.com.
The following language is for US based roles only
For California Applicants: Information on your California privacy rights can be found here
For Indiana Applicants: It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a prospective employee on the basis of status as a veteran by refusing to employ an applicant on the basis that they are a veteran of the armed forces of the United States, a member of the Indiana National Guard or a member of a reserve component.
For Maryland Applicants: I UNDERSTAND THAT UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A POLYGRAP OR SIMILAR TEST. AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $100.
For Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
For Montana Applicants: If hired, the employment relationship is governed by the Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act. Mont. Code Ann. Section 39-2-901.
For Rhode Island Applicants: Focus is subject to Chapters 29-38 of Title 28 of the General Laws of Rhode Island and is therefore covered by the state's workers' compensation law. If you willfully provide false information about your ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, you may be barred from filing a claim under the provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act of the State of Rhode Island if the false information is directly related to the personal injury that is the basis for the new claim for compensation. The Company complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This role provides end-to-end financial leadership across Focus Partners Australia & Escala Partners, with responsibility for shaping financial strategy, strengthening governance, and driving operational and commercial performance. As a key partner to the Leadership Team, the Group Head of Finance plays a critical role in enabling sustainable, profitable growth while ensuring strong financial discipline and regulatory compliance. The role aligns Australian business requirements with global standards, including US GAAP, and leads the continued development of a high-performing, scalable finance function that supports the organization's long-term strategic objectives.
Primary Responsibilities
Group Financial Leadership
Develop the multi-entity finance vision, operating model and roadmap; across FPA.
Lead, coach and develop the finance team to enhance capability, and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
Provide clear, insight-led advice to the Executive Committee and Board; translate strategy into financial plans and measurable outcomes.
Accountable for developing and maintaining Focus Partners Australia financial and accounting policies, financial reporting systems and consistent processes across FPA, and overseeing the adherence to these, with support from Focus Corporate finance and accounting team.
FP&A, Budgeting, & Performance
Own the annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts and partner with business units and Focus Corporate (NY) to ensure accurate financial planning. Implement driver-based models and scenario analysis.
Monitor financial performance against budget and deliver variance analysis to Executive leadership and Focus Corporate
Run monthly performance cadence: consolidated management packs, variance analysis, KPIs, and actionable recommendations.
Monitor financial performance against budget and provide variance analysis for Executive leadership.
Financial Reporting & Consolidation
Deliver timely and accurate consolidated financial statements and management reports for local leadership and global stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with Australian Accounting Standards and alignment to US GAAP (with support from Focus Corporate team).
Oversee month-end and year-end processes ensuring quality and timeliness.
Produce management reports and executive dashboards with actionable insights.
Prepare and deliver timely, accurate financial reports for local management and internationally.
Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, & Payroll
Oversee accounts payable and receivable functions, ensuring efficient processing and strong controls
Monitor ageing, cash flow impact, and working capital metrics, implementing strategies to improve payment cycles and collections.
Undertake payroll processing and ensure compliance with Fair Work and superannuation requirements.
Ensure accurate reporting and timely payments for employee entitlements including Escala grid payments
Drive automation and process improvement across AP, AR, and payroll workflows.
Treasury, Cash, & Capital
Optimise cash flow, liquidity and working capital; oversee banking relationships and covenant compliance.
Support capital allocation decisions (investments, technology, talent) and return-on-investment tracking.
Tax, Compliance, & Governance
Oversee direct and indirect tax planning, lodgments (BAS, IAS, payroll tax, WorkCover) and reporting across entities; liaise with external tax advisers.
Ensure compliance with ASIC, ATO, AUSTRAC and group reporting requirements.
Maintain strong internal controls and risk management frameworks.
Oversee the audit process, ensuring the timely outcome for all audit requirements.
Systems, Data, & Process Excellence
Work with the Head of Technology & Data and counterparts in Focus Financial Partners to drive the finance technology roadmap (ERP, reporting, automation) in Australia to improve data integrity and cycle-time.
Champion process simplification and digitisation across accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and reporting.
Establish a single source of truth for key financial data and metrics, enabling real-time analytics and dashboards for the Leadership Team
Champion the Focus Workday implementation, including assessment of local platforms and integration with Workday
Commercial Partnering & Growth
Partner with business leaders to evaluate pricing, product mix, client profitability and growth initiatives.
Lead financial due diligence and integration planning for strategic projects/M&A as required.
Provide financial modelling and investment cases for new services, partnerships and scaling opportunities.
Qualifications
CA or CPA qualified is required.
Extensive experience in financial leadership across controls, tax, risk management, treasury, FP&A, and commercial finance—ideally within global financial services organisations.
Strong understanding of Australian tax and compliance requirements.
Advanced proficiency in financial systems and Excel.
Demonstrated experience in data-driven decision-making.
Expertise in FP&A and business partnering to support executive-level planning and decision-making.
Strong financial and management reporting skills.
Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills.
Ability to drive change, innovate, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
Proven leadership and people development skills.
High attention to detail and commitment to compliance.
Skilled in engaging and influencing diverse stakeholders, including executives, business units, vendors, and auditors.
#LI-SF1
About Focus Financial Partners
Focus is a leading financial services firm comprised of integrated wealth management, family office, and business management services. Blending deep expertise and expansive resources with a boutique, client-first fiduciary philosophy, Focus helps individuals, families, and institutions navigate complex financial situations with highly personalized solutions tailored to their unique needs. To learn more about Focus, visit www.focusfinancialpartners.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.
Focus is an equal opportunity employer and bases its employment decisions on the employee or candidate's skillset, and without regard to an employee or candidate's race, color, religion, *** (including pregnancy), gender identity, ****** orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state and/or federal law.
Focus complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact careers@focuspartners.com.
The following language is for US based roles only
For California Applicants: Information on your California privacy rights can be found here
For Indiana Applicants: It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a prospective employee on the basis of status as a veteran by refusing to employ an applicant on the basis that they are a veteran of the armed forces of the United States, a member of the Indiana National Guard or a member of a reserve component.
For Maryland Applicants: I UNDERSTAND THAT UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A POLYGRAP OR SIMILAR TEST. AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $100.
For Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
For Montana Applicants: If hired, the employment relationship is governed by the Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act. Mont. Code Ann. Section 39-2-901.
For Rhode Island Applicants: Focus is subject to Chapters 29-38 of Title 28 of the General Laws of Rhode Island and is therefore covered by the state's workers' compensation law. If you willfully provide false information about your ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, you may be barred from filing a claim under the provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act of the State of Rhode Island if the false information is directly related to the personal injury that is the basis for the new claim for compensation. The Company complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Group Head of Finance position is now open for candidates interested in the Finance sector. This role in Sydney offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Finance is a plus.