Finance Manager in Griffith

At Rombola Family Farms, we're not just about farming – we're about crafting a sustainable future. Based in the heart of Australia's agricultural landscape, in Griffith, Rombola Family Farms is a forward-thinking business committed to producing the highest quality fruits, vegetables, and produce for local markets. Our intensive irrigated horticultural production located in Griffith (NSW), Bundaberg (QLD), Douglas-Daly (NT) and Mataranka (NT). Our passion for innovation and sustainability drives everything we do, from our cutting-edge farming techniques to our unwavering dedication to community and the environment.

We're a family-run business, deeply rooted in values that span generations. As we expand, we're looking for a Finance Manager to join us on this exciting journey and play a pivotal role in the future of Rombola Family Farms team.

About the role:

Summary of Role

The Finance Manager is a hands-on operational finance leadership role responsible for the day-to-day execution of accounting and financial control functions across the business. This is a hybrid role that combines technical, hands-on finance work with practical team leadership — someone who is equally comfortable working deep in the numbers as they are directing and developing their team.

This is not a strategic executive role. The Finance Manager is expected to take full ownership of the month-end close process, manage all statutory compliance deadlines, oversee payroll reconciliation, and ensure all financial reporting is accurate and delivered on time. The ideal candidate is self-driven, takes initiative, and can be relied upon to manage the detail without requiring close supervision — providing the Financial Controller and senior management with complete confidence that day-to-day financial operations are running to the highest standard.

Key Responsibilities

1. Month-End Close & Financial Reporting

• Own and execute the full month-end close process end-to-end, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
• Reconcile all balance sheet accounts and resolve any reconciling items in a timely manner.
• Work with the Financial Analyst to consolidate results across entities and prepare consolidated financial reports.
• Prepare and present budget versus actual results and variance tracking reports following month-end close.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, reconciliations, and financial commentary for review by the Financial Controller.
• Maintain and continuously improve the company's three-way financial model (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow).
• Ensure accurate and complete data is captured across all financial systems at all times.

2. Statutory Compliance & Regulatory Obligations

• Take full hands-on ownership of all statutory compliance obligations, ensuring all deadlines are met without exception, including:
• BAS/GST submissions to the ATO
• Payroll tax lodgements and reconciliations
• Superannuation guarantee contributions and fund submissions
• FBT returns and associated reporting
• Income tax and other ATO obligations
• Workers' compensation and other statutory requirements
• Ensure all accounting activities comply with current accounting standards, applicable tax legislation, and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Keep up-to-date with legislative changes and proactively implement required adjustments to internal processes.

3. Payroll Oversight & Reconciliation

• Review and verify payroll data processed by the Payroll Manager, ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant legislation and employment agreements.
• Cross-check payroll processing data against Employment Hero records to identify and resolve any discrepancies before finalisation.
• Ensure all general ledger entries relating to payroll are accurate and correctly posted, including wages, superannuation, PAYG withholding, and leave accruals.
• Conduct monthly payroll reconciliation with the Payroll Manager at month-end to ensure payroll figures align with the general ledger and financial statements.
• Oversee superannuation guarantee contributions and payroll tax calculations, ensuring correct processing and timely lodgement.

4. Budgeting & Forecasting

• Support the annual budgeting and forecasting process, including preparation of budget templates, data consolidation, and variance tracking.
• Work with the Financial Analyst to consolidate results across entities and present budget versus actual results after month-end close.
• Assist in the development of cash flow projections and financial forecasts as directed by the Financial Controller.
• Provide commercially relevant analysis and commentary on business performance to support management decision-making.
• Support internal and external audit processes, preparing all required documentation, schedules, and reconciliations.
• Maintain a robust internal control environment, identifying gaps and implementing process improvements.
• Conduct ongoing review and refinement of existing financial processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Ensure organisational compliance with Company Policy and all relevant legislation at all times.

6. Finance Transformation & Projects

• Actively participate in and, where appropriate, lead finance improvement and transformation projects, including:
• ERP system optimisation (Microsoft Dynamics or equivalent)
• Process automation and efficiency initiatives
• Tax, superannuation, and payroll compliance projects
• Audit readiness and preparation
• Drive continuous improvement across the finance function, identifying opportunities to streamline processes and improve reporting capability.

7. Systems & Technology

• Utilise and optimise the ERP system (Microsoft Dynamics or similar) to ensure financial data is accurate, complete, and maintained in line with business objectives.
• Leverage advanced Excel capabilities — including Power Pivot and Power BI — to build financial models, dashboards, and management reports that provide actionable business insights.
• Ensure data integrity across all financial systems and reporting tools.
• Provide practical, day-to-day leadership and direction to the Accounts Payable Accountant, Accounts Receivable Accountant, and Financial Analyst.
• Set clear expectations, delegate tasks effectively, and hold team members accountable for their outputs and deadlines.
• Coach and develop team members, supporting their professional growth and ensuring a consistently high standard of work.
• Work with Human Resources on recruitment, onboarding, and performance management of direct reports as required.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture aligned with the company's values and objectives.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Management or a related field — essential
• Minimum 5 years' experience at a managerial level in a finance role — essential
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with:
• Month-end close and financial reporting processes
• BAS, GST, payroll tax, superannuation submissions, and ATO compliance
• Payroll reconciliation and general ledger management
• Budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling
• Microsoft Dynamics experience highly desirable; experience with a comparable ERP system is essential
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills — essential, including demonstrated proficiency in Power Pivot and Power BI
• Proven ability to take initiative, work autonomously, and deliver results without close supervision
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet strict deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to present financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders
• Outstanding integrity, sound judgement, and the ability to make important decisions under pressure