Financial Controller

Job Description: Financial Controller (Renewables)
Melbourne/Sydney-based, hybrid

About the Company
A rapidly expanding Independent Power Producer (IPP), backed by a leading global infrastructure investor, is transitioning from a pure development focus to a full IPP model in the renewables sector. The company recently acquired a utility-scale solar and battery storage developer in Australia, along with complementary assets overseas. Its pipeline spans projects at various stages across Australia and New Zealand, with several ready for immediate construction and a mandate for accelerated growth.

Position Summary
The Financial Controller will be the inaugural finance lead during this critical expansion phase. This is a hands-on position with immediate responsibility for financial stewardship, reporting, and process build-out, evolving into a senior strategic leadership (CFO pathway) as the company scales. The role initially reports to the acting CFO, partnering closely with executive leadership to shape the finance team and internal culture.

Key Responsibilities
• Financial Leadership & Reporting
o Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, payables/receivables, billing, fixed assets, and cash management.
o Prepare timely and accurate financial statements under IFRS and local GAAP.
o Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term strategic planning.
o Implement and enhance internal controls, policies, and risk management processes.
• Project & Business Partnering
o Collaborate with project teams for cost monitoring, cash flow forecasting, and performance analysis across the full project lifecycle.
o Oversee project-specific accounting such as capex tracking, revenue recognition, and variance analysis.
o Support investment, M&A, and financing activities, including due diligence and structuring.
• Treasury & Cash Flow
o Manage treasury operations, including cash flow planning and funding drawdowns.
o Maintain relationships and compliance with lenders, investors, and financial partners.
• Compliance & Audit o Ensure adherence to all statutory, tax, and regulatory reporting at both local and group levels.
o Organize annual audits and act as the point of contact for auditors, advisers, and tax authorities.
• Systems & Process Improvement
o Lead digital transformation initiatives, including ERP system selection and automation of reporting.
o Develop scalable finance processes and documentation for a rapidly growing asset base.
• Team Building & Leadership
o Establish and mentor a high-performing local finance team as the company matures.
o Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and ongoing improvement. Candidate Profile
• Demonstrated experience as a Financial Controller, ideally within the renewables, IPP, energy, or infrastructure sectors.
• Professional background in a Big 4 or Tier 2 public accounting firm is highly regarded.
• In-depth knowledge of IFRS and local GAAP, treasury operations, project finance, and audit requirements.
• Direct experience with utility-scale energy projects and financial oversight during development phases.
• Capability and drive to build a finance team and lead finance strategy in a greenfield, scale-up environment.
• Strong skills in ERP/finance systems (e.g., NetSuite, Oracle, SAP), advanced Excel/financial modeling, and business intelligence tools.
• Based in Sydney or Melbourne, with flexible hybrid work arrangements as offices are established.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline; CA/CPA/ACCA/ACA qualification strongly preferred. Career Progression & Opportunity
• Immediately shape the company’s financial infrastructure and culture as the engine of the platform.
• Highly competitive, flexible remuneration with performance bonus.
• Direct pathway to a CFO role for high performers, with opportunities for further executive advancement.
• Exposure to a dynamic sector and access to global best practices in finance and operations.