Job Description
Collarts is on an exciting growth journey across Melbourne and beyond, and we’re strengthening the financial foundations to support our ambition. As our Head of Finance, you will sit at the centre of Corporate Services and partner closely with the COO, CEO and Executive team to drive financial sustainability, performance and strategic decision-making across the organisation.
This is a senior, high-impact role for a commercially minded finance leader who thrives in a dynamic environment where systems are evolving and the opportunity to shape and improve is real. You’ll bring strong judgement, deep financial expertise and a practical, hands-on approach — equally comfortable presenting to the Board as you are refining processes, improving systems, and leading your team through change.
If you’re motivated by building a contemporary, high-performing finance function and enabling an organisation to scale sustainably, we’d love to hear from you.
About us:
Collarts (and its predecessor, Ausmusic) began more than 30 years ago with just three programs, a handful of students, and a small team of passionate lecturers. Founded on music and audio – a proudly rock’n’roll start – we’ve grown into one of Australia’s leading creative education providers.
Today, operating as Collarts, we teach more than 2,000 students from over 30 countries across four campuses and in 50 partner high schools. We offer 24 degree programs and 5 vocational certificates, and are ranked Australia #1 Creative Arts Course Provider according to the 2024 Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) national surveys.
Our community includes award-winning artists, industry leaders and respected educators across music, screen, design, fashion and creative industries.
In 2024, we launched our new strategic plan, Creativity on Purpose, focused on reach, engagement, sustainability and quality. With continued growth across online, on-campus and secondary school partnerships, Collarts is committed to empowering the next generation of creative talent.
The role:
The Head of Finance is a key member of our Corporate Services leadership team and a trusted adviser to the Executive. You will lead the finance function at Collarts, ensuring strong financial governance, accurate reporting, and high-quality insights that inform both operational and strategic decisions.
You will play a critical role in supporting Collarts’ growth agenda, including expansion into new markets, investment decisions, and potential partnership or transaction activity.
In this role, you will:
Provide strategic financial leadership and commercial advice to the Executive and Board
Lead budgeting, forecasting and multi-year financial planning aligned to organisational strategy
Deliver clear, decision-ready financial reporting, insights and performance analysis
Oversee cash flow, working capital, funding and financial risk management
Strengthen financial controls, governance frameworks, policies and procedures
Lead external audit processes and ensure compliance with accounting, tax and regulatory requirements
Support capital allocation and investment decisions through robust financial modelling and scenario analysis
Build and lead a high-performing finance team, fostering accountability, capability and continuous improvement
Drive system and process improvements to enhance efficiency, scalability and insight across the organisation
Support strategic initiatives including growth, partnerships, and potential acquisition or investment activity
This role is based at our Wellington Street campus in Collingwood, with regular engagement across campuses and occasional work outside standard hours to support Board and organisational requirements.
We’re looking for someone who has:
A tertiary qualification in accounting, finance or a related discipline, with CA or CPA qualification
Significant senior-level finance experience (7+ years), ideally as a Head of Finance, Financial Controller or similar
Strong experience in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial governance
Proven ability to provide high-quality financial analysis and insights to Executive and Board-level stakeholders
Expertise in financial modelling, scenario analysis and long-term planning
Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining financial controls, systems and processes
Experience managing cash flow, funding arrangements and financial risk
A track record of leading, developing and uplifting finance teams
Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial concepts for non-financial stakeholders
High levels of integrity, professionalism and sound judgement
A collaborative, solutions-focused approach with strong stakeholder management skills
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment with competing priorities
Advertising closes: 5pm AEST, Friday 10 April
As shortlisting will commence immediately, we reserve the right to close this recruitment earlier than the stated closing date. You must have the legal right to live and work in Australia to apply for this role plus obtain a working with children check. If you have any questions please email [email protected]. For a copy of the position description and perks of working at Collarts click here: https://www.collarts.edu.au/about-us/careers-at-collts/
At Collarts we are committed to a workplace that celebrates the rich heritage and contributions of First Nations peoples. We encourage and welcome applications from First Nations individuals, recognising the unique skills, perspectives, and knowledge they bring to our team. Join us on our journey toward a more inclusive future!
This is a senior, high-impact role for a commercially minded finance leader who thrives in a dynamic environment where systems are evolving and the opportunity to shape and improve is real. You’ll bring strong judgement, deep financial expertise and a practical, hands-on approach — equally comfortable presenting to the Board as you are refining processes, improving systems, and leading your team through change.
If you’re motivated by building a contemporary, high-performing finance function and enabling an organisation to scale sustainably, we’d love to hear from you.
About us:
Collarts (and its predecessor, Ausmusic) began more than 30 years ago with just three programs, a handful of students, and a small team of passionate lecturers. Founded on music and audio – a proudly rock’n’roll start – we’ve grown into one of Australia’s leading creative education providers.
Today, operating as Collarts, we teach more than 2,000 students from over 30 countries across four campuses and in 50 partner high schools. We offer 24 degree programs and 5 vocational certificates, and are ranked Australia #1 Creative Arts Course Provider according to the 2024 Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) national surveys.
Our community includes award-winning artists, industry leaders and respected educators across music, screen, design, fashion and creative industries.
In 2024, we launched our new strategic plan, Creativity on Purpose, focused on reach, engagement, sustainability and quality. With continued growth across online, on-campus and secondary school partnerships, Collarts is committed to empowering the next generation of creative talent.
The role:
The Head of Finance is a key member of our Corporate Services leadership team and a trusted adviser to the Executive. You will lead the finance function at Collarts, ensuring strong financial governance, accurate reporting, and high-quality insights that inform both operational and strategic decisions.
You will play a critical role in supporting Collarts’ growth agenda, including expansion into new markets, investment decisions, and potential partnership or transaction activity.
In this role, you will:
Provide strategic financial leadership and commercial advice to the Executive and Board
Lead budgeting, forecasting and multi-year financial planning aligned to organisational strategy
Deliver clear, decision-ready financial reporting, insights and performance analysis
Oversee cash flow, working capital, funding and financial risk management
Strengthen financial controls, governance frameworks, policies and procedures
Lead external audit processes and ensure compliance with accounting, tax and regulatory requirements
Support capital allocation and investment decisions through robust financial modelling and scenario analysis
Build and lead a high-performing finance team, fostering accountability, capability and continuous improvement
Drive system and process improvements to enhance efficiency, scalability and insight across the organisation
Support strategic initiatives including growth, partnerships, and potential acquisition or investment activity
This role is based at our Wellington Street campus in Collingwood, with regular engagement across campuses and occasional work outside standard hours to support Board and organisational requirements.
We’re looking for someone who has:
A tertiary qualification in accounting, finance or a related discipline, with CA or CPA qualification
Significant senior-level finance experience (7+ years), ideally as a Head of Finance, Financial Controller or similar
Strong experience in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial governance
Proven ability to provide high-quality financial analysis and insights to Executive and Board-level stakeholders
Expertise in financial modelling, scenario analysis and long-term planning
Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining financial controls, systems and processes
Experience managing cash flow, funding arrangements and financial risk
A track record of leading, developing and uplifting finance teams
Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial concepts for non-financial stakeholders
High levels of integrity, professionalism and sound judgement
A collaborative, solutions-focused approach with strong stakeholder management skills
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment with competing priorities
Advertising closes: 5pm AEST, Friday 10 April
As shortlisting will commence immediately, we reserve the right to close this recruitment earlier than the stated closing date. You must have the legal right to live and work in Australia to apply for this role plus obtain a working with children check. If you have any questions please email [email protected]. For a copy of the position description and perks of working at Collarts click here: https://www.collarts.edu.au/about-us/careers-at-collts/
At Collarts we are committed to a workplace that celebrates the rich heritage and contributions of First Nations peoples. We encourage and welcome applications from First Nations individuals, recognising the unique skills, perspectives, and knowledge they bring to our team. Join us on our journey toward a more inclusive future!
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Head of Finance position is now open for candidates interested in the Finance sector. This role in Collingwood 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.
