Finance Controller - International Industrial Group

The Opportunity

• We're recruiting a Financial Controller for an Australian subsidiary of a globally listed French industrial group operating across 40+ countries. They deliver high-value engineering and construction projects, with a growing pipeline and an upcoming statutory audit.
• This is a standalone, hands-on finance role. You will be the most senior finance person on the ground in Australia, reporting directly to the APAC Regional CFO. You own the full finance function, no playbook to inherit. You build it yourself.
• Base location: Brisbane (hybrid) with fortnightly to monthly travel to Townsville office.

What You'll Be Doing

• Preparing monthly and annual financial statements; managing year-end close with external accountants
• Leading annual budgets, 3-year forecasts, and monthly Group reporting submissions
• Running variance analysis and delivering clear financial commentary to MD and Regional CFO
• Overseeing cash flow, banking relationships, and working capital
• Coordinating the upcoming statutory audit and ensuring Australian compliance
• Driving the transition from Xero to a more robust ERP as the business grows
• Partnering with operations on cost control, project financials, and business plans

Requirements

What You'll Need

• 5+ years in financial control, FP&A, or audit/industry finance — ideally in a standalone or SME environment
• Strong experience preparing financial statements, managing audits, and owning month-end close
• CPA or CA qualified (or equivalent recognised in Australia)
• Confident with budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting to senior leadership
• Comfortable with Xero; ERP transition experience is a strong plus
• Fluent English
• Based in Brisbane; comfortable with travel to Townsville office
• SME mindset of not needing a team around you to get things done

Benefits

Why This Role

• Direct access to leadership: report to the APAC Regional CFO, no layers in between
• Build something real: design and own the finance function from the ground up
• Immediate impact: upcoming statutory audit means day-one value from week one
• Career growth: as the company expands in Australia, this role grows with it providing natural path to broader regional leadership
• International platform: global group spanning APAC and the Middle East, with Group finance interactions in Paris
• Competitive salary: $100,000–$140,000 AUD depending on experience