Finance Manager

Hours: full-time = 35 hpw

Contract Type: Ongoing

About Us

Driven by a passion to solve the climate crisis, The Sunrise Project. is a team of experienced change-makers with a mission to scale social movements to drive the global transition beyond fossil fuels. With affiliated programs and staff in the United States, Europe and Asia, we have developed a unique model of grant making and campaigning that supports networks of organisations to drive powerful change towards our mission.

We have a dynamic and nimble organisational culture. We’re serious about supporting our people to thrive as we tackle the urgent climate challenge.  We believe that a diversity of experiences and perspectives will help us build stronger strategies, teams and movements. We take the broadest possible view of diversity and encourage First Nations people, people of colour, people living outside of cities, people living with disabilities, neurodiverse, and LGBTQIA+ people to apply. We are continually working on becoming a better workplace for everyone.  Find out more here.

About The Role

Reporting to the Finance Director, this position will play a key role in ensuring the integrity of data received across finance systems is correct and accessible, enabling the organisation to leverage that data for efficient financial reporting and informed decision making. Working in close partnership with Program Directors, the Operations team and External Accounting Service Providers, the primary objective will be to ensure appropriate tools, systems and information are robust, up-to-date, available to support decision making and operating effectively.

You will be responsible for fostering a continuous improvement culture, identifying and implementing opportunities to improve the operations of finance systems and processes. You consult with the operations team, developers and vendors on new system functionalities and enhancements, and will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to continuously enhance how we get value from our Finance tools.

About You

You’re a team player with an eye for detail that’s passionate about designing and continually improving financial management processes and systems. You’re focussed on ensuring that decision makers at all levels of the organisation have the information they need to plan and execute with confidence. You embrace a partnering approach and can communicate complex financial information to a non-finance audience in multiple formats. You’re passionate about leveraging your first-rate financial management skills to help solve the climate crisis.

Key Responsibilities

• Safeguard the integrity of financial data within finance systems including non-financial information and OKRs (Objectives & Key Results) flowing from various other data sources.

• Super user of all financial information and data management systems including upkeep and optimisation of data structures and integration with planning and business insights tools across Sunrise.

• Support a program of continuous improvement and automation of the framework and systems to support the management reporting, business review and planning cycles. 

• Support the development, co-ordination, and documentation of The Sunrise Project financial processes and systems including management reporting, budgeting and forecasting activities, month end close and external reporting.

• In consultation with Finance Director, prepare management reporting including Month End Reports and Board/FRAC Reporting Packs, and partner with program teams to review and analyse financial results as required.

• Produce financial reporting for donors as required.

• Coordinate and provide regular training to the wider finance system stakeholder group on tools and processes.

• Support and guide the operations team on finance-related functions such as contract management, accounts payable and grants management.

• Aligns own work and OKR’s with Sunrise’s mission and values.

Required skills, knowledge and experience    

• Tertiary qualifications in Accounting or Finance and membership of a recognised professional accounting organisation.

• A deep understanding of financial management practices, forecasting, budgetary principles and business planning processes.

• Experience of delivery and development of management reporting including a sound understanding of the underlying frameworks and systems.

• Experience in developing and implementing financial system and process improvements including change management. 

• Strong excel, analytical and problem-solving skills with close attention to detail and a methodical approach.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a focus on financial reporting to non-finance audiences.

• Commitment to providing quality customer service and ensuring client satisfaction.

• A high level of emotional intelligence with excellent interpersonal communication and group facilitation skills.

• Experience working internationally, successfully managing across cultures, and a track record of creating inclusive work cultures.

• A passion for supporting action on climate change and a commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. 

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience   

• A working knowledge of the financial management of complex granting arrangements in a non-profit.

• Interest in data structures, dashboards and business insights tools.

Job Requirements 

• You must have full working rights in Australia.  The Sunrise Project is unable to sponsor applicants for employment visas.

• Employment background checks may be/are required.

• COVID-19 vaccinations may apply in accordance with local legislation and/or Sunrise policy

• List any qualifications. licences, certifications required (e.g. practising lawyer, certified Accountant, etc).

How Sunrise supports its staff

The Sunrise Project. is committed to creating a workplace that supports our staff to do their best work and develop professionally. We have the following in place to help us achieve that, noting pro rata will apply for part-time staff:

• Superannuation 12.5%

• Birthday leave (if it’s your birthday, you get a day off)

• Solidarity and community leave 1 week p.a

• Cultural leave (floating public holidays)

• Gifted leave (over Christmas and New Year)

• Paid parental leave (subject to eligibility conditions)

• Generous financial support for office and/or remote working

• Access to an Employee Assistance Program

• Commitment to supporting your professional development ( up to $2000 per annum )

• Flexible work policy, including hybrid-remote working

• Coaching and management support with regular 1:1 meetings

• Performance reviews and feedback to support you and the team to reflect and grow

• A co-developed initial 3-month work plan to support your onboarding and provide clarity on your role and responsibilities

How to apply for this job

We recognize that racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, classism and other forms of discrimination creates structural barriers that impact opportunities to formal education and experience. When assessing candidates we look at more than the jobs you've been paid to do but the range of ways you've picked up skills and knowledge throughout your life. This is why we assess candidates on how well they respond to application questions and don’t require a cover letter. You’ll be taken to Be Applied to complete your application. Start your application by clicking here. 

Application Deadline: 11:59pm, 6th January 2023 PST