Finance Director APAC

Your Opportunity

The words 'unique', 'rare', and 'exceptional' are sometimes used to describe opportunities that do not live up to the hype, however in this instance it's fair to say that this position would deliver on all these superlatives. Quite simply, roles like this do not just grow on trees in Brisbane.

We've partnered with an ASX organisation that operate on a global scale to provide them with an experienced, senior leader to join their business as a Finance Director (APAC).

Our client has been established for over 50 years and they operate across APAC, Asia, North America, and Europe, with a substantial employee network in over 75 office locations. They have a clear vision when it comes to sustainability, ethics, and providing support and growth to local communities. In addition, they have a strong focus on providing a workplace that embraces a culture that supports diversity, equity, and inclusion.

In this position you would report directly to an experienced CEO who has impressive tenure within the business gained across several positions; if you're looking to work with, and for, someone who will be able to help guide you through the nuances of a large, complex environment then they will be key to helping you develop and grow within the position.

There are several financial duties as you would expect with this position however we're also looking for someone with strong business partnering capability. You will be expected to build robust and trusting relationships with leadership and the wider business within the APAC region; you'll need to be confident and assertive with a maturity that enables you to develop partnerships and foster trust so that you'll be capable of holding people accountable to agreed commitments.

There will be a significant number of projects that you will be involved with, all affecting the wider business and driving change across the group; again, your people skills will be used to their maximum capability to build relationships with international offices. You'll need to be flexible to understanding how local business ethics apply and be willing to listen to, and be open to, their ideas.

From a finance perspective, you'll be directly responsible for leading the financial, shared services, and commercial teams across APAC with a view to ensuring budgets, financial statements, and forecasts are delivered on time with an exceptionally high level of accuracy. In addition, you will instigate and elevate controls on cash and working capital, as well take the lead with directing finance policies and strategies with a strong understanding of the implications to the wider group.

The relationship you develop with the CEO will play a crucial part in your ability to work closely with them to allow them to make strategic decisions by providing detailed financial information; this will include analysis of the financial implications of mergers and acquisitions, sale of assets, and capital expenditure.

You will also be tasked with expanding and developing the wider finance team, ensuring that they're up to speed with the forthcoming change. You'll be responsible for making sure that you, and the wider business, have the support, skills, and expertise in place to ensure your / their future success.

As we've said, roles like this don't come around every day, so therefore we're going to be looking for people with specific skills and capabilities. You'll be a qualified senior leader who has strong experience in a large complex environment with a minimum of 5 years in a similar position; we would prefer an ASX background however this is not a deal breaker depending on the complexity of your previous engagements. However, we do want you to have had exposure to M&A activity with subsequent integrations, with an ability to be commercially aware and not just into the numbers. You will have previously led teams and can demonstrate an inclusive management style where you get the best out the people you have worked with whilst building strong relationships. A Professional Services background would be highly beneficial, giving you an understanding of project accountability and chargeability.

In addition to your professional qualifications and experience, we're looking for a leader and not just a manager. You'll lead by example, be proactive, develop relationships and upskill the team that you develop and build around you. Our client takes pride in their ability to provide outstanding customer service to their extensive client base, and they expect those values and ethics to be held by the people who operate within the company.

Robert Half Ltd is committed to equal opportunity and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of categories protected under local law.