Director of Finance and Strategy

About us

NT Christian Schools is a leading independent educational institution committed to providing excellence in Christian education across the Northern Territory. We are dedicated to nurturing students' intellectual, spiritual, and personal development in a supportive and values-driven environment. Our schools have earned a strong reputation for academic achievement, pastoral care, and community engagement. We seek passionate professionals who share our vision of transforming lives through quality education grounded in Christian principles.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Finance and Strategy to join NT Christian Schools in Darwin NT on a full-time basis. This is a pivotal leadership position that will oversee all financial operations, strategic planning, and business development across our school campuses. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring financial sustainability, driving operational efficiency, and supporting the school's long-term growth objectives. This role reports directly to the Principal and Board of Governors, positioning you as a key member of the senior leadership team with significant influence over the organisation's financial health and strategic direction.

Key responsibilities

Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive financial strategies that align with the school's mission and long-term objectives

Oversee all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and financial reporting

Prepare and present accurate financial statements, reports, and analysis to the Board of Governors, leadership team, and stakeholders

Manage cash flow, investment portfolios, and financial reserves to ensure sustainability and operational security

Lead strategic planning initiatives to identify growth opportunities, cost optimisation, and revenue diversification

Oversee compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, accounting standards, and internal policies

Manage relationships with external auditors, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies

Develop and implement robust internal controls and risk management frameworks

Supervise and mentor financial staff, fostering a high-performing finance team

Provide financial guidance to the senior leadership team on major decisions and strategic initiatives

Support the development of student fees structures, enrolment strategies, and market positioning

Manage capital projects, facility investments, and asset management programmes

What we're looking for

Tertiary qualification in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or equivalent professional qualification (CPA, CA, or ACMA preferred)

Minimum 8-10 years' experience in financial management or accounting, with at least 5 years in a senior finance or controller role

Demonstrated experience in strategic financial planning and business development within an educational, not-for-profit, or similar organisational setting

Strong expertise in financial accounting, management accounting, budgeting, and financial forecasting

Proven ability to lead and develop finance teams, with excellent people management skills

Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities with strong attention to detail

Advanced proficiency in accounting software, financial systems, and Microsoft Office applications

Understanding of educational funding models, student fee structures, and school operations is highly desirable

Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance audiences

Strong ethical standards, integrity, and commitment to compliance and governance

Experience with audit processes, regulatory reporting, and internal controls implementation

Strategic thinking capability with the ability to identify opportunities for financial and operational improvement

What we offer

At NT Christian Schools, we are committed to creating a supportive and rewarding work environment for our staff. We offer competitive remuneration commensurate with qualifications and experience, comprehensive professional development opportunities, and a strong team culture grounded in our Christian values. We recognise the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements where possible. Staff enjoy access to staff discounts on school fees, inclusion in our supportive school community, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in students' lives. We provide ongoing training and professional development to ensure you can grow your career with us. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all candidates. If you require any adjustments or alternate formats of key information at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us, and we will be happy to assist.

Apply now

If you are a strategic financial leader who understands school finances, has a passion for education and a commitment to Christian values, we would like to hear from you. Please submit your application including your CV, cover letter, and contact details for three professional references. Join our team and help us build a stronger financial future for NT Christian Schools.