Financial Controller in Adelaide

Are you a commercially minded finance leader who combines strong technical expertise with a strategic approach to financial management? Johnson Winter Slattery is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead the finance function, strengthen financial governance and provide meaningful commercial insights to support business performance and decision-making. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this is a key leadership role with responsibility for financial and management reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, compliance and the development of a high‑performing finance team. You will work closely with senior leadership and stakeholders across the firm, ensuring the finance function delivers accurate, timely and actionable information while continually improving systems, processes and controls.

About the role

As Financial Controller, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the finance function, ensuring financial integrity, effective controls and compliance with all relevant statutory and regulatory obligations. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Financial leadership and reporting: Oversee the delivery of accurate and timely financial reporting, management accounting and financial analysis to support informed decision‑making.
• Budgeting and forecasting: Lead annual budgets, financial forecasts and performance monitoring, providing insights into financial results, risks and opportunities.
• Cash flow management: Oversee cash flow, liquidity planning and financial performance against budgets and key performance indicators.
• Governance and compliance: Ensure compliance with Australian accounting standards, taxation requirements and statutory obligations, including GST, FBT, payroll tax and superannuation.
• Trust accounting: Oversee trust accounting processes and ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulations and professional standards.
• Team leadership: Lead, mentor and develop a multidisciplinary finance team, fostering accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Systems and process improvement: Identify and implement improvements to financial systems, reporting frameworks, internal controls and operational efficiency.
• Business partnering: Work collaboratively with the COO, senior leaders and operational stakeholders to provide commercial advice, explain financial performance and support business objectives.
• Audit and stakeholder management: Coordinate external audits and maintain effective relationships with auditors, accountants and other relevant stakeholders.

About you

You are an experienced finance professional with the credibility, judgement and leadership capability to manage a complex finance function and influence outcomes across the business. To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• CA/CPA qualified with a degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce or a related discipline.
• 10+ years' experience in senior finance roles, with responsibility for financial management, reporting and compliance.
• Demonstrated success leading, mentoring and developing finance teams.
• Strong knowledge of Australian accounting standards, taxation requirements and financial governance.
• Advanced capabilities in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
• Excellent commercial acumen, analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• The ability to build trusted relationships and communicate complex financial information to non‑financial stakeholders.
• A proactive approach to process improvement, systems optimisation and strengthening internal controls.
• Strong ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism.
• Experience in a legal or professional services environment will be highly regarded.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a critical business function and make a tangible contribution to the firm's financial performance and long‑term objectives. You will have the opportunity to partner with senior leadership, influence business decisions, lead an established finance team and drive improvements that enhance financial insight, operational efficiency and governance. If you are a commercially focused finance leader who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on financial management, we would welcome your application.